unfriendly

adjective

ˌən-ˈfren(d)-lē How to pronounce unfriendly (audio)
Definition of unfriendlynext
1
as in icy
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling the unfriendly looks quickly warmed when we were recognized as long-unseen relatives

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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

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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 On top of that, drones and planes may not be able to safely access and map areas controlled by unfriendly nations. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 8 July 2026 In addition to seeing her unfriendly behavior, the neighbors also made note of a white van constantly parked in Shirley's driveway which was sometimes used to take out furniture. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026 Norma Jeane was reared in a number of unfriendly foster homes until she was sent at the age of 9 to a Los Angeles orphanage. — Joshua John Miller, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2026 Bottom line, half of America is increasingly unfriendly to the LGBTQ+ population, Sears said. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfriendly
  1. icy
  2. hostile
  3. negative
  4. cold
  5. unfavorable
  6. frigid
  7. adverse
  8. chilly
Adjective
  • He was last seen on a snow machine that broke through an icy river.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The Tropical Coco Fresca is a layered pineapple-watermelon agua fresca with chamoy lava Tajin® rim, paired with a scoop of icy coconut snow that melts into a creamy tropical explosion of flavors, sure to keep you cool in the Texas heat!
    — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • The board of Scripps rejected Sinclair’s hostile bid in December.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The documentary depicts a scenario involving a large hostile surface vessel formation approaching southeast of China.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • That left the debtor having to prove the negative that the debtor really didn't have any way to re-establish control over trust assets, and such was (and still is) a very tough sell.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • There is some debate in our field about, again, these higher-level components of pain, the emotional negative valence that’s associated with pain.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of negative
Adjective
  • Boxwood is generally easy to grow and cold-tolerant, meaning its leaves stay on the plant year-round.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Receive free cold beverages at budget-friendly hotels, or pay more for places with welcome champagne and a rooftop pool with Gaudí views.
    — Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • None of this indicates that the terms are unfavorable to creators.
    — Maureen Kerr, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The poll showed Rogers himself at 29% favorable and 32% unfavorable.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of unfavorable
Adjective
  • Instead of a steady stream, rising water churns turbulently against the frigid walls of the fractures, rapidly losing heat.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Although arid and frigid today, researchers believe that the mountain’s foothills hosted waterways billions of years ago.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 July 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • And the very review of the arch that identified its adverse effects is in the crosshairs of the administration.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The Coastal Commission is widely expected to take any adverse ruling to court, potentially arguing that the federal government can’t deny a state its fundamental rights — in this case, a say over projects that affect its economy — over politics.
    — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of adverse
Adjective
  • This option is long enough to double as a blanket if the flight gets chilly after takeoff.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Quince’s cotton cashmere cardigan is ideal for chilly plane cabins and brisk evenings, and can easily be tied around your shoulders when the weather warms up.
    — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of chilly

Browse Nearby Words

unfriendliness
unfriendly
unfrivolous
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Cite this Entry

“Unfriendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfriendly. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of unfriendly for Spanish Speakers

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