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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another
reports of hostiles in the area kept the settlers on edge
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hostile
Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Given the hostile environment, some workers are giving up and going home.
—Steve Lopez, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
As things get bloody and a ragtag team of heroes tries to contain the hostile lifeforms, Prodigy and other corporations rush to grab and study the alien visitors.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 5 June 2025
The game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET and Pacers fans are sure to bring the energy and create a hostile atmosphere for New York.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hostile
Adjective
The prosecution accused Wong, 28, of conspiring with fellow activist Nathan Law and others to ask foreign countries, institutions, organizations or individuals outside of China to impose sanctions or blockades, or engage in other hostile actions, against Hong Kong and China.
—Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Given the hostile environment, some workers are giving up and going home.
—Steve Lopez, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
As things get bloody and a ragtag team of heroes tries to contain the hostile lifeforms, Prodigy and other corporations rush to grab and study the alien visitors.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 5 June 2025
The game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET and Pacers fans are sure to bring the energy and create a hostile atmosphere for New York.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hostile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostile
Adjective
-
There also exist aspects of their past which would become political fodder in the hands of any opponent’s negative campaign.—
Judith Martin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 June 2025
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Escalating irritability, negative self-talk after online conversations, or a panic response when the phone is taken away are clues, according to Dodhia.—
Alex Shoemaker,
Parents,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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But at a time when student-athletes’ rights prevail and provide the freedom to change schools and cash in, coaches aim to regain control and curtail roster movement — even at the expense of a player in an unfavorable situation.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 May 2025
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The reality is that an underdeveloped supply chain and unfavorable economics are far larger factors.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 May 2025
Noun
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As the resupply convoys approach the forward locations, they are frequently targeted and destroyed by enemy drones.—
Vikram Mittal,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Watch Prey on Hulu Predator The original Predator movie is set in the present day (which would be 1987) and follows a paramilitary rescue team who quickly discovers that rebel forces in the South American jungle aren’t their most dangerous enemy.—
Keith Langston,
People.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
The consequences are both deeply personal and widely systemic: Women are more likely to be misdiagnosed, experience adverse drug reactions, and face delays in care.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Mifepristone is currently part of that program, though a wealth of research has shown that less than 0.5% of women who take it have serious adverse reactions.—
Aria Bendix,
NBC news,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
McFarland is facing charges of solicitation of a minor, transmission of harmful material to a minor and violation of probation.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
12 June 2025
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Avoid reusing or reheating cooking oils to prevent harmful compounds.35 Taste and flavor: Canola, grapeseed, corn, soybean, safflower, and sunflower oils are ideal for sautéing or baking.—
Amy Brownstein,
Verywell Health,
12 June 2025
Noun
-
His main opponent, former radio host Bill Spadea, has painted himself as a Trump loyalist.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
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Rothstein reported that the game will take place on Black Friday, Nov. 28, adding yet another high-major opponent to the monster nonconference schedule Dan Hurley and staff are putting together.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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The zoo staff set up traps in locations where the otters were seen more than once, but like any good story, antagonistic foil characters in the form of raccoons quite literally foiled their plans by interfering with the contraptions.—
Margherita Bassi,
Popular Science,
12 June 2025
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Porter needs to take a more antagonistic stance against Arnold’s Folly, including demanding Newsom and the Legislature remove that funding.—
John Seiler,
Oc Register,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
Eventually, even the foes of the tolling will realize that Prof. Vickrey was correct and that everyone is better off.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2025
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The Spartans swept all three foes by 7-0 scores to become the first school in league history to win four consecutive state tennis crowns.—
Dave Wright,
Twin Cities,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hostile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostile. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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