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
  • Forecasters said the system is expected to be short-lived because of hostile environmental conditions starting on Friday that will prevent it from developing further.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Electronic warfare systems such as NGJ-MB are carried by aircraft and use advanced electronics to interfere with or counter hostile electromagnetic systems.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 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
  • Arjun Bhatia, an analyst at William Blair who recommends buying Salesforce shares, said investors who turned negative on cloud software companies or eliminated their exposure altogether due to AI concerns, are starting to come back.
    — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Much like Big Tobacco was forced to admit that cigarettes can cause cancer or Purdue Pharma was forced to stop downplaying the risks of OxyContin, this agreement now puts Meta’s core products in a negative light.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of negative
Adjective
  • Among Republicans, 10% now give him an unfavorable rating, and among independents, 51%- 42% have an unfavorable view.
    — Susan Page, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • First responders also urge residents not to enter the water at all when swimming is prohibited, especially during unfavorable weather.
    — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 24 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
  • California was among dozens of states that sued Meta in 2023, alleging in a lawsuit that the social media giant intentionally designed harmful and addictive features to hook children while misleading the public about the dangers.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The report said the company was strengthening its research infrastructure, increasing monitoring and improving safeguards designed to prevent harmful or unintended behavior.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 26 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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