Definitions

hostile

[hos-tl, -tahyl] / ˈhɒs tl, -taɪl /

ADJECTIVE

antagonistic, mean

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adverse belligerent bitter contentious contrary hateful inhospitable inimical nasty opposed unfavorable unfriendly unsympathetic

STRONG

alien anti catty chill cold militant opposite sour

WEAK

allergic argumentative bellicose competitive disapproving dour ill-disposed malevolent malicious malignant oppugnant ornery pugnacious rancorous scrappy spiteful surly unkind unpropitious unsociable unwelcoming viperous virulent vitriolic warlike

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreeable aiding favorable friendly good helpful helping hospitable kind nice pleasant wonderful

STRONG

hot sympathetic warm

WEAK

gentle welcoming

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Three staff members have filed civil rights complaints describing a hostile work environment, the Times reported.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

In 2025, Canada canceled its popular annual showcase, after deciding that hostile policies made the risks not worth the rewards.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Attorney Jeanine Pirro, told the Journal this week that it was working to go after sanctioned and hostile networks supporting the Iranian regime.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

ICE agents, who often work in urban settings, had little prior experience handling hostile crowds.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

A certain prince of the present times, whom it is best not to name, preaches nothing but peace and faith, and to both one and the other he is extremely hostile.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

Vocabulary lists containing hostile

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

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Some Tricky Homonyms

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The Watsons Go to Birmingham

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