1
as in icy
lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling
the unfriendly looks quickly warmed when we were recognized as long-unseen relatives
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfriendly
Bidders sometimes take this approach if upper management at the target company appears unfriendly to their offer.
—
Max Zahn, ABC News, 12 Dec. 2025
International security experts also say the agency is the subject of negative social media campaigns after every disaster by unfriendly foreign governments working to sow discontent and ill will.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025
Overregulation or outright bans risk branding San Diego as business-unfriendly and resistant to future innovation.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Dec. 2025
Kennedy has taken some unfriendly fire along the way from Lizza.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfriendly
Adjective
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After years of enjoying her icy blonde hair, Ariana Grande has now taken it back to the basics.—
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The sheriff's office said the road was subject to snowy and icy conditions at the time of the incident.—
Adjective
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Skepticism came easily to Trump, who had long been hostile to mainstream foreign policy.—
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The helicopter the pilot was flying — a heavy, twin-rotor MH-47 Chinook — was struck by hostile fire during the operation.—
Adjective
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Researchers revealed that the high-voltage output facilitates the neutralization and collection of dust and moisture by generating negative ions.—
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By the end of the year, the Gallup Economic Confidence Index, which measures views of the economy and its future, stood at a whopping negative 33, down nearly 20 points since spring.—
Adjective
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The slick material keeps chafing to a minimum during workouts, and the brushed inside is so soft against the skin and helps keep cold air out and your body heat in.—
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The heating coils are wrapped tightly and distributed evenly throughout the throw, providing consistent warmth without noticeable cold spots.—
Adjective
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Just remember that Joe Biden’s administration had four years to open the files and disclose any possible news unfavorable to the Republicans.—
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While 48% of the respondents who had heard of Talarico viewed him positively and 18% viewed him negatively, 48% of respondents familiar with Crockett had an unfavorable impression compared with the 40% who viewed her positively.—
Adjective
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Zelenskyy said that Russia was aiming to take advantage of the frigid weather in the capital, which made roads and streets icy.—
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Plunging directly in the frigid lake via holes carved in the ice.—
Adjective
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Public systems can be somewhat risk adverse.—
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Nekrasov said adverse weather conditions also left parts of several other regions without power, including Chernihiv, Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Zakarpattia.—
Adjective
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Featuring an oversized cardigan paired with tapered pants, it can easily be paired with a simple tank top, T-shirt, or turtleneck when things get a bit chillier.—
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The cotton-blend fabric is made for lightweight warmth to keep the cold at bay without heavy layers on chilly days.—
Cite this Entry
“Unfriendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfriendly. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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