1
as in hatred
a deep-seated ill will
a lingering hostility between the two neighbors ever since since they had that property-line dispute
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in conflict
hostilities plural
a state of armed violent struggle between states, nations, or groups
Both sides agreed to cease all hostilities.
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hostility
Presidents have regularly acted unilaterally to enter significant hostilities on the basis of those opinions, including in the Korean War, in Kosovo, and in Libya.
—
Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 28 June 2025
International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi said Wednesday that Iran must quickly resume cooperation with international inspectors, telling French broadcaster France 2 that the IAEA had lost visibility over sensitive nuclear materials since the onset of hostilities.
—Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 26 June 2025
The neighborly ethos of the scene means people tend to look out for each other, nurturing a support network amid this increasing external hostility.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 25 June 2025
Fu also singled out Israel and called for efforts to bring an end to the hostilities.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hostility
Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 28 June 2025
International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi said Wednesday that Iran must quickly resume cooperation with international inspectors, telling French broadcaster France 2 that the IAEA had lost visibility over sensitive nuclear materials since the onset of hostilities.
—Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 26 June 2025
The neighborly ethos of the scene means people tend to look out for each other, nurturing a support network amid this increasing external hostility.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 25 June 2025
Fu also singled out Israel and called for efforts to bring an end to the hostilities.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hostility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostility
Noun
-
There’s a great tradition in sports of being driven by a fear, or a hatred, of that feeling.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
-
She’s been feeling so much hatred, so much anger, so much sadness, so much disappointment these last few episodes.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
There have been conflicts between rideshare drivers and taxis in the past, so consider sticking with a reputable taxi or car service, However, the more adventurous can rent a car to explore nearby cenotes, ruins, and regional highlights.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
-
The deportations – part of a program Iran announced in March – have radically increased in pace since the 12-day conflict with Israel, fueled by unsubstantiated claims that Afghans had spied for Israel prior to and during the attacks.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The viral clip perfectly captures the familiar, comedic drama of pet rivalry, proving once again that internet users can't get enough of the secret lives—and grudges—of our four-legged friends.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
-
Or maybe someone carried a grudge about a business deal or something completely unrelated to any of the many hats Roy wore.—
Dateline NBC,
NBC news,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Throughout history, technological advantages have altered the course of wars, sometimes suddenly.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
-
The president said on Monday that the U.S. will impose 100% tariffs on countries that engage in trade with Russia if there is no peace deal to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
While the actual Mafia was rife with violence, animosity and bloodshed, Pileggi and Levinson's adaptation was humorous and, at times, empathetic toward the reality of being an aging criminal.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
-
This is not the time for stoking fear, division, and animosity for such an ecologically valuable species.—
Jim Martin,
Denver Post,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
For years, shared antagonism toward the U.S. has been pushing China, Russia, and Iran together.—
Leon Aron,
The Atlantic,
29 June 2025
-
Given the humiliation Israel has already imposed, and the threat of regime-toppling force, Tehran may dial back its antagonism.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Their dynamic seems born not of enmity but something almost more collaborative.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
29 June 2025
-
This is a big call, as anti-U.S. enmity may have passed.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
But tensions in their relationship began to show whenMusk, the world’s richest person, began blasting Trump’s signature spending bill last month, taking issue with its provision to raise the debt ceiling.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
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But the initial tour announcement did seem to allude to past tensions.—
Maria Sherman,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hostility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostility. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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