1
as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will
received an inimical response rather than the anticipated support
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adverse
opposed to one's interests
laws designed to enhance national security that some regard as inimical to cherished freedoms
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inimical
For one, the United States would be in a stronger position to prevent Israel from annexing the West Bank, a move that is inimical to U.S. interests and Palestinian rights.
—
Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025
Or reform of a tax system that is complex, regressive, and inimical to growth.
—Anand Menon, Time, 18 Oct. 2025
The spiral of silence therefore becomes inimical to pluralistic debate, discussion and, ultimately, to democracy itself.
—James L. Gibson, The Conversation, 26 June 2025
The partnership model’s annual distribution of funds is inimical to long-term investment.
—Mark A. Cohen, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inimical
Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2025
Or reform of a tax system that is complex, regressive, and inimical to growth.
—Anand Menon, Time, 18 Oct. 2025
The spiral of silence therefore becomes inimical to pluralistic debate, discussion and, ultimately, to democracy itself.
—James L. Gibson, The Conversation, 26 June 2025
The partnership model’s annual distribution of funds is inimical to long-term investment.
—Mark A. Cohen, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inimical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inimical
Adjective
-
Being on the road and in a hostile environment is something that Ayton also is looking forward to.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
-
The race between Jones and Jackson has been incredibly hostile, with both releasing a myriad of attack ads and going after one another in debates.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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The most common adverse effects were jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea.—
Patricia Weiser,
Verywell Health,
1 May 2026
-
As of April 30, no adverse reactions due to the consumption of the breakfast pizzas had been reported.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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The country is already carbon-negative, over 70 percent forested (the national constitution requires at least 60 percent to be preserved), and powered almost entirely by hydroelectricity.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
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Trappings near her home in following months caught a variety of deer mice and white-footed mice, though the rodents tested negative for the virus.—
Eva Flowe
May 6,
Charlotte Observer,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Embiid’s aggressiveness early — along with Tyrese Maxey’s speed and ability to put defenders in bad positions — put the Knicks in unfavorable foul trouble early.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
5 May 2026
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And into this steps an American pope with a 42% favorable rating and an 8% unfavorable rating, a net favorability 34 points better than the president’s, making the moral case against the very war that is producing the economic pain.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
Too much fertilizer can be detrimental to this wildflower.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2026
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Indeed, a large body of research has documented the detrimental impact of negative news on individuals’ mental and physical health, attitudes, and behaviors.—
Karen McIntyre,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
South Florida frequently sees sargassum washing ashore on its beaches, but the brown seaweed generally isn't harmful to humans.—
Sarah Perkel,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
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Companies should be required to disclose how their algorithms promote content to minors and be held responsible for knowingly amplifying harmful material, including content linked to self-harm, exploitation, or harassment.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inimical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inimical. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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