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 It’s commonly seen as too loud, too expensive, too unhealthy, too environmentally unfriendly, and an unnecessary eyesore that requires a lot of red tape between landlords and city permits to procure. — Morgan Simon, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Those looking to kick a ball around or do anything at all have been forced indoors thanks to an unfriendly yellow and orange haze that’s coated the skies. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026 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 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 See All Example Sentences for unfriendly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfriendly

Adjective

There’s nothing wrong with a great scoop, but sometimes the weather calls for something lighter, icier and a little more unexpected.

— Lia Picard - For the AJC, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Posing next to co-star Sandra Bullock, the Australian star looked statuesque in a strapless column dress that was completely covered in icy mint sequins, which looked like scales.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of icy

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

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

The device also includes instant hot and cold under-eye contrast therapy, designed to combine clinical benefits with a spa-like feel.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
Isaacson’s 2023 book left a lot of reviewers cold with its lack of criticism but still sold a gazillion copies.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of cold

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

Evie felt Atlas’s side of the bed freeze, go stiff, as if frigid air had suddenly come along, causing his breath and all bodily functions to stop.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
There are frigid cryotherapy chambers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and exorbitant supplements.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of frigid

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

As the attractive secretary, she is forced to fend off not only Hart’s advances (with the cheery but firm dexterity of a woman with no alternative and many years of practice) but also the chilly scorn of her female colleagues.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
That first chilly day of the year means mice, stink bugs, Asian lady beetles and more become residents of your home.

— Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of chilly

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 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unfriendly

adjective

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