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
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfriendly
Advertisement Both the Democratic Party and its voters are seen as unfriendly toward Christianity.
—
Philip Elliott, Time, 16 June 2025
That’s a legitimate way in; lots of Othellos of my experience have treated their guy as forced to play a part that does not come naturally, or to overachieve to fight off the racist snipers with him in the sights of their unfriendly fire.
—Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 24 Mar. 2025
At the same time, she's also had to learn how to handle unfriendly — and sometimes crude — commentary.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 17 June 2025
Mining boosters argued that the deep sea could provide a crucial alternative to terrestrial mineral markets controlled by potentially unfriendly postcolonial governments.
—Time, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Philip Elliott, Time, 16 June 2025
That’s a legitimate way in; lots of Othellos of my experience have treated their guy as forced to play a part that does not come naturally, or to overachieve to fight off the racist snipers with him in the sights of their unfriendly fire.
—Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 24 Mar. 2025
At the same time, she's also had to learn how to handle unfriendly — and sometimes crude — commentary.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 17 June 2025
Mining boosters argued that the deep sea could provide a crucial alternative to terrestrial mineral markets controlled by potentially unfriendly postcolonial governments.
—Time, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfriendly
Adjective
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Gelato is very similar to ice cream, but only relies on milk instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter, icier texture than traditional homemade ice cream.—
Erin Hooker,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 June 2025
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Stock tip: Migrate to icier territories… Aston Villa 6/1 Last five results: WLWWW A two-goal deficit to overcome in the Champions League quarter-final return leg against Paris Saint-Germain next week likely spells the end of Villa’s European aspirations.—
Brett Koremenos,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Forced to work in a more hostile environment than.when it was first established in 2019, the mission faces limited options for evacuations due to the ongoing suspension of international commercial flights, and mobility, because of gangs’ ongoing gang encirclement of Port-au-Prince.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
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From retail shops to corner bodegas and independent grocery stores, the past few years have not only forced small business owners to confront staggering economic challenges, but also a needlessly hostile regulatory environment brought on by out-of-touch policymakers.—
Tosha Miller,
New York Daily News,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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That projection is based on the tariffs raising $2.6 trillion overall, while being offset by $418 billion in negative impacts.—
Alison Durkee,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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More urgently, defunding and censoring science could have dramatically negative consequences for all Americans.—
Matt Motta,
Scientific American,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Resilience was what kept Di Caprio’s Glass alive in the frigid temperatures of the American wilderness.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
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One man did just that Refugees might have endured a soaking and even abided the frigid temperatures, but the combination spawned an array of fluxes, fevers and flus that carried away hundreds of them.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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In Wednesday’s poll, Mamdani had a higher net favorability rating (40% favorable to 36% unfavorable) than the net negative ratings of Cuomo (44% to 46%) and Adams (28% to 62%).—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
9 July 2025
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The Mumsnet user then listed some recent unfavorable restaurant outings.—
Brian Anthony Hernandez,
People.com,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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Everyone’s temperature preferences differ—some sleep hot, others cold.—
Alyssa Hui-Anderson,
Verywell Health,
15 July 2025
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For evening or colder climates, go with the Parallel Pant.—
Rebecca Deurlein,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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Earth’s magnetic field naturally protects living things and Earth-orbiting satellites from most adverse effects of space weather.—
Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti,
The Conversation,
11 July 2025
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Possible issues associated with consuming too much of the spice include allergic reactions (that can range from mild irritation to serious symptoms), stomach pain and potential adverse interactions with medications such as blood thinners.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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That’s still chilly, but remember the greenhouse effect: there is a lot of frozen methane and carbon dioxide on Pluto, so these ices can vaporize and possibly provide enough thermal retention to make the tiny world at least somewhat comfortable, if not exactly habitable.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
3 July 2025
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On sale for $79, it can be worn on chilly flights, tossed over a dress on cooler evenings, or paired with leggings for a casual travel day look.—
Anne Taylor,
Travel + Leisure,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfriendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfriendly. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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