UNFRIENDLY Synonyms: 229 Similar and Opposite Words

unfriendly

adjective

ˌən-ˈfren(d)-lē

Definition of unfriendly

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

as in hostile

marked by opposition or ill will an unfriendly nation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 And it has been noticed, in friendly and unfriendly quarters. — Robert Stone, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026 This tropical wave was rolling off Africa’s west coast early Monday, and forecasters said conditions in the otherwise unfriendly Atlantic might line up to give this one a shot at strengthening by the middle to end of the week. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026 Pittsburg State’s Bid Day activities took place last Friday in late afternoon, which meant the balloons had to be installed during the unfriendly heat of the day. — Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026 But although nearly half the region’s population is under age 18, its cities are often unfriendly places to grow up – crowded, poorly planned, and unsafe. — Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfriendly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfriendly

Adjective

In winter, some wetlands become more accessible as thick, spongelike layers of organic-rich peat freeze solid and become strong enough to support snow machines on their icy surfaces.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Set against the Swiss Alps, the story follows an Englishman (Spall) found barely alive in an icy mountain stream by local woman Alma (Deleila Piasko) and her young son, Franz.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of icy

Adjective

That night, Lee goes to Ginger’s house to tell her what happened — about his hostile showdown with the rupidoop, about Brawny Dude With the Butter Candies checking out Lee’s van in the Boontill parking lot.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
The trip to Leeds is another daunting assignment for United in what is usually a hostile atmosphere.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of hostile

Adjective

To that end, Musk’s average favorability rating — net negative 16 percentage points as of Wednesday, according to Decision Desk HQ — has additionally improved, although only slightly, since July 2025 when his favorability was at its nadir.

— Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
The beats create ample negative space for Holden to employ riskier flows, often deploying a double-time pace to burn through technically dense passages.

— Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of negative

Adjective

That level of pure confidence while talking to the person with cold, hard footage is what makes Lisa Barlow the perfect Real Housewife.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Shea’s supervisor confronted her when Shea’s findings in a cold case could not be replicated.

— Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of cold

Adjective

The most egregious perpetrators of fraud in the industry were corrupt doctors who were paid by patients to send insurance companies medical examination reports that omitted unfavorable findings.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Democratic socialism is underwater by 22 points, 37% of Americans are favorable and 59% are unfavorable.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of unfavorable

Adjective

This unique trait has led planetary scientists to hypothesize that the asteroid formed in the frigid outer solar system and migrated inward early in the solar system's history.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026
The arid and sublime West, the sunny South, the frigid Midwest or the dense East — populations ebb and flow in each.

— Washington Post Opinions, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of frigid

Adjective

In fact, the National Trust for Historic Preservation says the nationwide average for a review is 16 days, and that 98% of those reviews conclude that the project will have no adverse effect on nearby historic resources.

— Rachel Treisman, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026
High prices also a factor But despite positive weather news and whispers of an abundance of crab, other factors could affect prices in adverse ways for consumers.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of adverse

Browse Nearby Words

unfriendliness

unfriendly

unfrivolous

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“Unfriendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfriendly. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfriendly

adjective

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