UNFRIENDLY Synonyms: 229 Similar and Opposite Words

unfriendly

adjective

ˌən-ˈfren(d)-lē

Definition of unfriendly

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

as in hostile

marked by opposition or ill will an unfriendly nation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 And then there’s the prim and unfriendly Stagg, who doesn’t play well with others, who insists on having the office to himself, and who refuses to let the affable Krick be a part of his reports to Ike and the rest of the generals. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 May 2026 That's not to mention that the spark wheel tends to be small and entirely unfriendly to the gloves that could otherwise protect your thumb from the flame (and fingers from the frigid cold that inspired the fire in the first place). — C.c. Weiss may 20, New Atlas, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfriendly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfriendly

Adjective

Backstage, Punk had a friendly, if not icy, exchange with Damian Priest.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
The Perseid meteor shower is finally active, bringing the potential for gorgeous shooting stars and fireballs as Earth plunges into the trail of debris shed by the icy comet Swift-Tuttle.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of icy

Adjective

In contrast, Trump made at least 17 purchases of eight companies’ stock and then posted negative messages about the firms or their executives shortly afterward.

— Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
In this case, the vague nature of terms like DEI and CRT can have an even steeper negative impact on classrooms by creating uncertainty among faculty.

— Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026

Definition of negative

Adjective

Inspectors also noticed that cold foods were being held at incorrect temperatures, according to the report.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Ceviche arrives bright and cold, sharpened by citrus, softened by fresh seafood, and lifted with herbs and heat.

— Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026

Definition of cold

Adjective

As exciting as this match at the home of baseball’s New York Mets is likely to be, the players will be met with unfavorable weather conditions.

— Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 15 July 2026
In April, Pew found that Republicans with a negative view of Israel ticked up since last year, with 57% of young Republicans having an unfavorable view of Israel compared with 50% a year ago.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 14 July 2026

Definition of unfavorable

Adjective

The Falkland Islands, the English call the windswept, rocky outcrops in the frigid south Atlantic Ocean.

— Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2026
In the first room, a hulking pair of Nazi overboots, used by German infantry to guard against frigid Russian winters during World War II, serves as the centerpiece of a display on the symbolism of footwear.

— Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of frigid

Adjective

But this isn’t because of potential health risks or adverse effects in-flight—cabin crew simply dislike pouring it because of its excessive fizziness.

— Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
The scientific debate Scientists do not always agree on what counts as an adverse effect of mindfulness.

— Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

Definition of adverse

Adjective

Likewise, the respite afforded by the twin hydration breaks has also reduced the need for improvised periods of gentlemanly repose, which in turn has lessened the demand for the chilly spray.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026
One man, Clifford Boisa, died immediately after being retrieved from the chilly water.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026

Definition of chilly

Browse Nearby Words

unfriendliness

unfriendly

unfrivolous

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unfriendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfriendly. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of unfriendly

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on unfriendly

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

maverick

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes