1
as in icy
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling
the unfriendly looks quickly warmed when we were recognized as long-unseen relatives
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will
an unfriendly nation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in negative
opposed to one's interests
the claim that the state's numerous regulations create a climate unfriendly to small businesses
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of unfriendly
Erin is outrunning some slightly unfriendly conditions for the next few days.
—
Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2025
Milwaukee is considered one of the most unfriendly cities for pets in the U.S., at least according to WalletHub.
—Rose Androwich, jsonline.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Flood asked, which received an unfriendly response from the crowd.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2025
Delaware has lost some of its allure as a place to incorporate, following court decisions seen as unfriendly to business — like the one last year voiding Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s compensation package.
—Scott Cohn, CNBC, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2025
Milwaukee is considered one of the most unfriendly cities for pets in the U.S., at least according to WalletHub.
—Rose Androwich, jsonline.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Flood asked, which received an unfriendly response from the crowd.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2025
Delaware has lost some of its allure as a place to incorporate, following court decisions seen as unfriendly to business — like the one last year voiding Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s compensation package.
—Scott Cohn, CNBC, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfriendly
Adjective
-
From island flavors at the Caribbean Beach Resort to the splash zones of Typhoon Lagoon and the icy adventures at Blizzard Beach, there’s still plenty of time to soak up every last drop of the summer.—
Martie Bowser,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
-
From sweltering summer afternoons to rainy days and icy winters, there are plenty of times when heading outside just isn’t an option.—
Kelsey Monstrola,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Thanks to climate change, Cosmism’s ambivalent and generally hostile attitude towards the natural world should also sound familiar.—
Tim Brinkhof,
Big Think,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Another camera designed to withstand the hostile environment of space was used outside.—
Catherine Muccigrosso,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
However, a number of attendees posted negative comments about the event on social media, with many claiming that the experience was chaotic and poorly organized.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
-
But let’s face it - any kind of drama on social media, positive or negative, is good for any reality competition show (or any series, for that matter).—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The frigid air sliced through the open windows, bit the tips of my ears and my runny nose.—
Manuel Muñoz,
Literary Hub,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Katie Abraham and Chloe Polzin were hunting for a late-night snack with three other friends on a frigid night in Urbana, Illinois.—
Taylor Romine,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Also, unfavorable factors are the extension price tag that can top tens of billions of dollars annually, and eligibility that includes those making 400% the poverty rate.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Two years before the Rule was finalized in 1944, the Supreme Court made unfavorable (unpublished) comments about a draft proposal permitting the government to take pretrial depositions.—
Robert Anello,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The fair also will feature two stages of music, an entertainment dome, mouthwatering festival food and plenty of cold beer.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Sep. 2025
-
In a study, the team describes how cooling a gas of radioactive atoms to temperatures colder than deep space could synchronize their radioactive decay.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Swift and Lively’s long friendship had been a distinct sub-plot in the IEWU legal battles, with tabloid fodder that the duo have fallen out over the controversy adverse Eras Tour performer getting tainted with the whole thing.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The potential adverse consequences to entrepreneurs when well-being is disregarded are well-documented.—
Samantha Dewalt,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In order to combat a chilly plane ride, a warm airport, and the crisp fall air upon arrival, light layers are essential.—
Rachel Trujillo,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The blazer is also lined, which comes in handy on chilly evenings.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfriendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfriendly. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share