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
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfriendly
Yun, the expecting mother who quit her job, often finds public attitudes unfriendly toward children.
—
Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Others fell victim to unfriendly road environments.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
So what’s behind the market’s unfriendly reaction?
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
Well, someone got a very unfriendly call from the Leland House.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Others fell victim to unfriendly road environments.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
So what’s behind the market’s unfriendly reaction?
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
Well, someone got a very unfriendly call from the Leland House.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfriendly
Adjective
-
The bodies of eight had been left on the icy mountainside, and a final member of the group was still missing, presumed dead among the blanket of snow.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
An awkward moment between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei at an AI Summit Thursday captured the increasingly icy relations between two rival tech leaders who started off as colleagues.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Bushey’s hostile behavior following his sister’s arrival caused Laurie and her mother to take several safety measures out of fear, such as removing knives from the home, changing the locks, and finally pursuing a restraining order against Bushey and taking steps to evict him, Pirrello said.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
-
As events are leaning toward David Ellison and Paramount prevailing in its $108 billion hostile-takeover bid for Warner Bros Discovery, almost a dozen Republican state attorneys general are insisting that the federal government heavily scrutinize Netflix‘s bid for the iconic studio.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Her outlook may not change, but right now the substance of your friendship — at least from your perspective — is all negative.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Her outlook may not change, but right now the substance of your friendship – at least from your perspective – is all negative.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This year, Russia has worked to keep Ukraine cold, presumably in an attempt to turn us against each other.—
Daria Kolomiec,
Time,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The orange juice is cold and freshly pressed, the espresso dark and strong, the tea served with a strainer (because proper leaves are used).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Seedlings sometimes spend too much time in pots if they are started too early, particularly if outdoor temperatures are still unfavorable for delicate plants.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Additionally, eight in 10 Britons had an unfavorable opinion of the prince at that time.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Tobyhanna Township Volunteer Fire Company Fire crews battled the blaze for about eight hours, braving high winds, ice and frigid temperatures before bringing it under control, according to the Tobyhanna Township Volunteer Fire Company.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Winters are routinely snowy, gray, and frigid.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There are various pieces of gear designed for skiing in adverse avalanche conditions, Antibus said.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Just under 6% of the 3,770 cases the board closed in 2024 resulted in adverse public action, according to the board’s annual report.—
Amber Gaudet
Updated February 20,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Bedsure GentleSoft Fleece Blanket There’s nothing quite like snuggling under a cozy blanket during chilly weather.—
Brittany VanDerBill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Joonhee Park’s grayscale set design, complemented by Ben Carne’s fluorescent lighting, particularly suits Marlene’s harsh corporate world, but the chilly look also nods to Thatcherite austerity throughout the play.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfriendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfriendly. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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