unfriendly

adjective

ˌən-ˈfren(d)-lē How to pronounce unfriendly (audio)
Definition of unfriendlynext
1
as in icy
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling the unfriendly looks quickly warmed when we were recognized as long-unseen relatives

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will an unfriendly nation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in negative
opposed to one's interests the claim that the state's numerous regulations create a climate unfriendly to small businesses

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of unfriendly Norma Jeane was reared in a number of unfriendly foster homes until she was sent at the age of 9 to a Los Angeles orphanage. — Joshua John Miller, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2026 Bottom line, half of America is increasingly unfriendly to the LGBTQ+ population, Sears said. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 1 June 2026 And then there’s the prim and unfriendly Stagg, who doesn’t play well with others, who insists on having the office to himself, and who refuses to let the affable Krick be a part of his reports to Ike and the rest of the generals. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 May 2026 That's not to mention that the spark wheel tends to be small and entirely unfriendly to the gloves that could otherwise protect your thumb from the flame (and fingers from the frigid cold that inspired the fire in the first place). — C.c. Weiss may 20, New Atlas, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfriendly
  1. icy
  2. hostile
  3. negative
  4. cold
  5. unfavorable
  6. frigid
  7. adverse
  8. chilly
Adjective
  • While Io itself is far too hostile to support life, microwave instruments can also probe beneath icy surfaces.
    — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 July 2026
  • Page, an imposing figure in his double-breasted suit, can add a seductive lilt to his booming bass or an icy edge that provides a peek into his embittered soul.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
Definition of icy
Adjective
  • The extraordinary allegation offers a window into the waning days of an increasingly hostile primary race to replace Kelly, who has enjoyed broad popularity throughout her eight years in office.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • The company has faced workplace and labor complaints, including allegations of racial discrimination and hostile conditions in warehouses.
    — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 30 July 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • In June, 40 mayors around the world signed a pact to curtail the negative impact of the construction of AI data centers on the natural resources, energy prices or climate targets of cities from Phoenix to Melbourne.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • The $600,000-plus Luce was originally received with an overwhelmingly negative response by just about everyone, from casual fans of the brand to passionate enthusiasts—even former Ferrari executive Luca di Montezemolo slammed the EV.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 30 July 2026
Definition of negative
Adjective
  • It was instead caused by cold air plummeting to the ground from the upper levels of a passing thunderstorm, experts says.
    — Mark Price July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • For lunch, head outside to The Pocket pool bar and lounge for fish tacos and a cold beer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
Definition of cold
Adjective
  • But using costly missiles against inexpensive drones can create an unfavorable exchange.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026
  • Organizations explain poor results by pointing to staffing shortages, difficult patients, unfavorable markets, or imperfect measures.
    — Basel Tarab, STAT, 22 July 2026
Definition of unfavorable
Adjective
  • Indeed, Russia’s mass barrages last winter of Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure – designed to keep Ukrainians cold, in the dark, and hopeless during the most frigid winter of recent years – are now being answered by Ukraine.
    — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026
  • Though the frigid headmaster answers their questions about his wife and his own timeline without flair, his demeanor immediately puts Annie on edge.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 July 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • Prices reached record highs over the past two years, triggered by adverse weather conditions and poor cocoa harvests that pushed chocolate costs higher and dampened consumer sentiment.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 27 July 2026
  • Potential adverse effects identified by the FDA include heart toxicity, infections, pancreatitis, increased or decreased insulin sensitivity, serious immunoresponses, melanoma and death.
    — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Definition of adverse
Adjective
  • Follow the breeze into a century-old limestone mine that stays at a chilly 52 degrees year-round.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 July 2026
  • Michelle Obama recently wore a similar pale blue polish, Emily Blunt went lavender, and Taylor Swift got a jumpstart on the season in an equally chilly millennial mint shade.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 20 July 2026
Definition of chilly

Browse Nearby Words

unfriendliness
unfriendly
unfrivolous
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Cite this Entry

“Unfriendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfriendly. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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