antagonistic
adjective
an·tag·o·nis·tic
(ˌ)an-ˌta-gə-ˈni-stik 
: showing dislike or opposition : marked by or resulting from antagonism
an antagonistic relationship
factions antagonistic to one another
Synonyms
Examples of antagonistic in a Sentence
They found it impossible to deal with such antagonistic groups.
countries that have been antagonistic towards each other for centuries
Recent Examples on the Web
However, despite their antagonistic relationship over the past decade, the two were seen briefly chatting in what looked like a cordial conversation.
—
Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Jan. 2025
The refresh comes after Tesla experienced its first year-over-year drop in sales since the company started mass-producing cars in 2012, with CEO Elon Musk’s antagonistic behavior suspected to have contributed to the decline.
—Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 10 Jan. 2025
If the motivation is national security, then Trump’s antagonistic strategy is completely unnecessary.
—Rafael Perez, Orange County Register, 9 Jan. 2025
This is despite other people in Trump’s orbit who may push for antagonistic and combative relationships with partners.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for antagonistic 
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.
Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Jan. 2025
The refresh comes after Tesla experienced its first year-over-year drop in sales since the company started mass-producing cars in 2012, with CEO Elon Musk’s antagonistic behavior suspected to have contributed to the decline.
—Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 10 Jan. 2025
If the motivation is national security, then Trump’s antagonistic strategy is completely unnecessary.
—Rafael Perez, Orange County Register, 9 Jan. 2025
This is despite other people in Trump’s orbit who may push for antagonistic and combative relationships with partners.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for antagonistic
Dictionary Entries Near antagonistic
Cite this Entry
“Antagonistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antagonistic. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
antagonistic
adjective
an·tag·o·nis·tic
(ˌ)an-ˌtag-ə-ˈnis-tik
1
: characterized by or resulting from antagonism
antagonistic antibiotics
2
: relating to or being muscles that are antagonists
skeletal muscles arranged in antagonistic pairs
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share