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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfriendly
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
And the friendly confines remain extremely unfriendly to the Rockies, who were swept by the Cubs on Wednesday in Chicago in a 2-1 defeat.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 28 May 2025
Not quite unfriendly, but things have been on ice ever since, at least according to McDonald.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 29 May 2025
Elon Musk appeared to cast an unfriendly gaze at South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during President Donald Trump’s meeting with the foreign leader on Wednesday.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfriendly
Time, 17 June 2025
And the friendly confines remain extremely unfriendly to the Rockies, who were swept by the Cubs on Wednesday in Chicago in a 2-1 defeat.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 28 May 2025
Not quite unfriendly, but things have been on ice ever since, at least according to McDonald.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 29 May 2025
Elon Musk appeared to cast an unfriendly gaze at South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during President Donald Trump’s meeting with the foreign leader on Wednesday.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 21 May 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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Importantly, Democrats will need to win back at least one chamber of Congress next year to have a chance at avoiding the Medicaid cuts, after warning for months about the negative impacts.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
10 July 2025
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Not only are 22 rib eye steaks stolen from Aunt Orsa’s, but the restaurant becomes the target of a tirade of negative reviews — leading its namesake owner to wonder if they’re being sabotaged.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
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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Strategic commenting can lead to five-figure contracts without cold pitching.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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First, a quick refresher on freezing: The super cold temp—freezers should be set to zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower—stalls the growth of bacteria and other organisms.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
1 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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The rooftop bar features large couches placed near a grand fireplace for all the chilly nights to come.—
Kaycee Sloan,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfriendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfriendly. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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