HOSTILES Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

hostiles

noun

plural of hostile

as in enemies

one that is hostile toward another reports of hostiles in the area kept the settlers on edge

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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 hostiles Reacher counts 13 hostiles in his surveillance of this makeshift WMD lab. — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hostiles

Noun

And strength to resist reducing complex human challenges to slogans, enemies, or simple answers.

— Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Candidates should disclose who funds their campaigns, correct mistakes promptly, participate in substantive public forums and address disagreements without treating neighbors as enemies.

— Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of enemies

Noun

Since then, Netanyahu has been criticized by opponents for failing to deliver on his promise of restoring regional security.

— Chad de Guzman, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
That's two in a row for the Longhorns to unranked opponents as Florida went into Austin on Saturday and left with a 27-24 win.

— Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of opponents

Noun

Ward is 3-19 as a starting quarterback, which includes a 0-7 mark against AFC South foes, and is staring another loss to a divisional rival in the face with the Titans traveling to Indianapolis to take on the Colts on Sunday.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Trying to find her brother, Prue — aided by Curtis, who reveals previously unseen pluck and ingenuity — encounters a variety of colorful animal and human characters as both friends and foes.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of foes

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hostilely

hostiles

hostilities

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“Hostiles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hostiles. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hostiles

noun

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