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 He is seen as anti-business — FTSE-100 chairs and chief executives privately express horror at the idea of him as chancellor — and as market-unfriendly because he is viewed as less committed than Reeves to fiscal discipline. — Ian King, CNBC, 15 July 2026 On top of that, drones and planes may not be able to safely access and map areas controlled by unfriendly nations. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 8 July 2026 In addition to seeing her unfriendly behavior, the neighbors also made note of a white van constantly parked in Shirley's driveway which was sometimes used to take out furniture. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026 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 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
  • By contrast, cool blondes feature ash, pearl, or icy tones for a cleaner, brighter look.
    — Emma-Jade Stoddart, Glamour, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The cancellation of this upgrade has implications for some of the European Space Agency’s science missions, including a probe to Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of icy
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
  • 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 Port of Los Angeles forklift driver was wearing a life vest and was floating away, out to sea -- cold, worried about sharks and drowning.
    — Michele Gile, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In the last week, the park has experienced harsh winds and cold temperatures overnight.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of cold
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
  • Then there is Chicago Bears fans, who pack the old, outdated Soldier Field, even in frigid temperatures, to watch a their team, despite years of futility.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Travis wound up in frigid Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of frigid
Adjective
  • Her lawsuit made a number of claims of adverse employment actions.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Ask for the specific reasons in writing, specifically naming the adverse action notice requirement.
    — TerDawn DeBoe, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of adverse
Adjective
  • As spring rolls into Idaho every year, the snow starts to melt and the chilly water flows down the mountains through soil and streams.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The breathable fabric and flexible styling means the skirt will be a no-brainer to reach for during the remaining hot days of summer as well as chilly fall nights.
    — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of unfriendly for Spanish Speakers

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