inimical

adjective

i-ˈni-mi-kəl How to pronounce inimical (audio)
Definition of inimicalnext
1
as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will received an inimical response rather than the anticipated support

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adverse
opposed to one's interests laws designed to enhance national security that some regard as inimical to cherished freedoms

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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 inimical This use of others, far junior to them in rank or status, as human props in a political circus is inimical to the dignity of those who deserve to be acknowledged either in solemn ceremonies at the White House, or anywhere but in public view. — Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026 There are few things more inimical to self-reinvention than drinking yourself into the big zip-up bag at age 44. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026 Or reform of a tax system that is complex, regressive, and inimical to growth. — Anand Menon, Time, 18 Oct. 2025 The spiral of silence therefore becomes inimical to pluralistic debate, discussion and, ultimately, to democracy itself. — James L. Gibson, The Conversation, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for inimical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inimical
  1. hostile
  2. adverse
  3. negative
  4. unfavorable
  5. detrimental
  6. harmful
Adjective
  • Alice and Gemma really don’t seem to get along, and neither seems inclined to back down from their hostile postures.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The true target of the strike was Turkey, which has grown increasingly hostile toward Israel since the war in Gaza, and over its differing approach to Syria.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • Then England attracted adverse attention for openly drinking in the Queensland resort of Noosa when 2-0 down in a one-sided Ashes series in Australia.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Women with high occupational heat exposure were roughly twice as likely to suffer a miscarriage or stillbirth as those working in cooler conditions, and faced elevated risks of adverse birth outcomes overall.
    — Catarina Rolfsdotter-Jansson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of adverse
Adjective
  • Even dismissing the most extreme negative outcomes, consumers still stand to lose thousands if policymakers don’t act to reduce spending.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The sixth is to analyze failure types and to embrace any negative results.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of negative
Adjective
  • The party has a 54% unfavorable rating compared to 40% favorable, according to a RealClearPolitics polling average.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026
  • But experts said the administration likely would appeal an unfavorable ruling to the Supreme Court, leaving the fate of hundreds of children and their families in doubt.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of unfavorable
Adjective
  • New redistricting maps There’s also the detrimental effects for Democrats of recent redistricting in Florida.
    — Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The math curriculum, in my view, has been detrimental to many students.
    — Olivia Young, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of detrimental
Adjective
  • Child development experts have noted teenagers are more susceptible to social comparison than adults, so products that reward popularity can be more harmful to their mental health.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Beneficial bacteria also provide colonization resistance, competing with harmful microbes for nutrients and attachment sites while producing substances that inhibit their growth.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of harmful

Browse Nearby Words

inhuming
inimical
inimitable
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Cite this Entry

“Inimical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inimical. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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