1
as in negative
marked by opposition or ill will
the suggestions for change were given a hostile reception by some of the longtime employees
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unfavorable
opposed to one's interests
the company's president vows to fight the hostile takeover by the giant corporation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another
reports of hostiles in the area kept the settlers on edge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hostile
Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2025
America’s national security enterprise has failed the nation from time to time, but far more often our military and national security agencies have shielded the country from a hostile world.
—Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2025
Another reason to consider the needs of your negotiation partner is that hostile negotiations lead to resentment.
—Lieke Ten Brummelhuis, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
The country’s two political parties – the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans – were increasingly hostile to one another, and the young nation was sinking deeper into a foreign policy crisis with its onetime ally France.
—Marianne Holdzkom, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hostile
Adjective
Wheeler and Jones would talk about Seager behind closed doors, causing a hostile work environment, the suit alleges.
—Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2025
America’s national security enterprise has failed the nation from time to time, but far more often our military and national security agencies have shielded the country from a hostile world.
—Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2025
Another reason to consider the needs of your negotiation partner is that hostile negotiations lead to resentment.
—Lieke Ten Brummelhuis, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
The country’s two political parties – the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans – were increasingly hostile to one another, and the young nation was sinking deeper into a foreign policy crisis with its onetime ally France.
—Marianne Holdzkom, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hostile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostile
Adjective
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The bottom line: Discussions about AI that focus on extreme outcomes, both positive and negative, can overwhelm people and give them a sense of lack of control.—
Mike Allen,
Axios,
12 Mar. 2025
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Recent polls have consistently shown Trump's approval rating declining, with one poll last week showing that his net approval rating turned negative for the first time since returning to the White House.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, about Vice President JD Vance, 44% of Americans polled have an unfavorable opinion, 33% rated him favorably and 23% had no opinion.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
12 Mar. 2025
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Rising economic concerns in the United States, spurred by President Trump’s tariff implementation, are creating an unfavorable market environment.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The idea that the most dangerous threats aren't always foreign enemies but those operating within one's own ranks mirrors real-world concerns about internal security breaches and shifting allegiances.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
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And aren’t Putin and Russia our antagonists and enemies?—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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When ingested or inhaled, these microplastics can release these chemicals into the body, potentially leading to adverse health effects.—
Sheah Rarback,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2025
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Research shows that supplementing with 0.14 to 0.36 grams per pound of body weight for up to five years is associated with minimal adverse effects and health risks.—
Melissa Nieves,
Verywell Health,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This can be extremely harmful to the lungs of at-risk people, including children whose lungs are still developing, pregnant women, older adults and those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or diabetes, according to the American Lung Assn.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Mar. 2025
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Test results from Consumer Reports found potentially harmful chemicals in roughly half of the formula products.—
Geoff Harris,
Baltimore Sun,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Regardless of who an opponent tries to take away, the other receiver should have a very favorable matchup.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
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The defensive interior could not cause problems for either opponent.—
Steve Silverman,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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For roughly a century, conservative Christian groups have claimed that education should include Christian teachings and have increasingly concluded that American public schools are unsuited—and even antagonistic—to that task.—
Austin Steelman / Made by History,
TIME,
12 Mar. 2025
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And Musk’s approach so far has been read by many of those most immediately affected as antagonistic, demoralizing and callous.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The two geriatric foes square-off nightly for a game of cat-and-mouse that involves Crealy using Jenny — both as a mask to deflect the suspicion of the nursing staff and as an instrument of torture with the Judge.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
14 Mar. 2025
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And just like that, Love’s vanquished foe found a new lease of life.—
Jack Bantock,
CNN,
14 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hostile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostile. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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