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
Lauren Gifford, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Lewisville Mayor Ethan Dunbar has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for federal office.
Dunbar, who chairs the Arkansas Black Mayors Association, told the Democrat-Gazette that his decision stems in part from the hostile national political climate.
—Arkansas Online, 24 Aug. 2025
The old Yankee Stadium was a much more hostile battleground that could go toe-to-toe with Fenway.
—Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
Now, states such as Colorado, California, Illinois and Nevada are scrambling to backfill LGBTQ+ crisis support through training, fees, and other initiatives in response to what advocates say is the Trump administration’s hostile stance toward this group.
—Kff Health News, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hostile
Adjective
The unanimous ruling is particularly remarkable given the current hostile political climate in the United States and other industrial nations around climate change and responses to it.
—Lauren Gifford, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Lewisville Mayor Ethan Dunbar has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for federal office.
Dunbar, who chairs the Arkansas Black Mayors Association, told the Democrat-Gazette that his decision stems in part from the hostile national political climate.
—Arkansas Online, 24 Aug. 2025
The old Yankee Stadium was a much more hostile battleground that could go toe-to-toe with Fenway.
—Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
Now, states such as Colorado, California, Illinois and Nevada are scrambling to backfill LGBTQ+ crisis support through training, fees, and other initiatives in response to what advocates say is the Trump administration’s hostile stance toward this group.
—Kff Health News, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hostile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostile
Adjective
-
Crone’s process isn’t just about helping the individual think positively but eliminating the negative thinking that restricts potential.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Some comments seen by CNN were blatantly racist or xenophobic, propagating negative stereotypes about African nations and people.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Government limits on corporate crypto holdings or unfavorable tax policy would threaten the business model.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
-
The rocket was filled with millions of pounds of propellant and set to launch when SpaceX, around 8:00 p.m. ET, opted to call off the day's launch and turn the operation into a launch rehearsal, considering the weather forecast would remain unfavorable throughout the launch window.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Hardy from the Griffith Institute of Criminology says researchers are studying how police can deescalate interactions with sovereign citizens, who may view them as frontline enemies.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
29 Aug. 2025
-
With many of the biggest rappers stateside on Drake’s enemies list, he’s seemingly found a wealth of inspiration across the pond.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Consumers who have experienced adverse reactions after using these products should report their symptoms and product use to their health care providers, the agency said.—
Adrienne Roberts,
Freep.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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Those measures include safeguards from adverse effects of federal activities, restrictions on hunting or development, and active conservation plans like seed planting or captive rearing of animals.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
While some individuals and groups have called for a slower approach to gender-affirming care for minors, other pediatric gender care experts and advocates have said ending such care can have a harmful effect on patients' mental health and well-being.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
23 Aug. 2025
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Exposure to wildfire smoke, which contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants, is unhealthy even for short periods, according to the air district.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
As the other undefeated team, Canada outscored its three opponents 19-4, but had to rely on some third-period outbursts to run up those offensive numbers.—
Carol Schram,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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On the ball, Maresca’s preference is for his side to build with short passes from his goalkeeper, often with the aim of baiting opponents into a press that creates space higher up the pitch.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Hot summers are nothing new for much of the United States, but the combination of heat and humidity has taken on a truly antagonistic role this year, pushing us closer to our melting points in an already uncomfortable season.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
12 Aug. 2025
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Thomas, Scheffler, DeChambeau, McIlroy and Koepka are seen throughout the movie, participating in Gilmore’s ridiculous training sessions and eventually battling an antagonistic group of golfers from the fictional Maxi professional golf league.—
Stephanie Stremplewski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 July 2025
Noun
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Their problems don’t stop there, as in the process, several other foes are released, including a demon and a werewolf.—
Simon Thompson,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
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Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez, the mayor’s top foe on the 13-seat commission, blasted Levine Cava’s recent reveal of a budget situation that is less dire than first presented.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hostile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostile. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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