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
  • Kuwait's army said its air defence systems were targeting hostile missile and drone attacks.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Some recent laws, including the Safer Skies Act of 2025, grant state and local agencies (though not private-sector entities) greater license to detect and track hostile drones.
    — Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • Ustel said the ferry faced adverse weather conditions and began taking in water just 15 minutes after departure.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The report identified adverse effects on dozens of historic properties, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and other landmarks.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of adverse
Adjective
  • And as the backlash to generative AI continues to grow, especially in creative fields, those attempts are bringing in far more negative than positive attention.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
  • At least twice each fiscal year, school boards review updated financial projections and classify their districts’ fiscal health as positive, qualified or negative, after which county superintendents review each certification and may downgrade it.
    — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of negative
Adjective
  • Affirm left Australia in 2023 shortly after unfavorable macroeconomic conditions prompted the company to lay off 19 percent of its workforce.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Polling has consistently shown most voters have an unfavorable view of both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
    — Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of unfavorable
Adjective
  • Being full of yourself isn’t detrimental but necessary for survival.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The settlement also requires limits on features that some experts believe are detrimental to teenagers’ self-esteem and self-image.
    — Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of detrimental
Adjective
  • But fasted training isn’t necessarily harmful to muscle gain, Maroldi adds.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • What’s considered harmful to minors can be subjective, and this is where experts believe laws requiring age verification can run afoul of the First Amendment.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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