as in to infuriate
to implant bitter feelings in
everything he said just antagonized the other side even more
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Recent Examples of antagonize
Another passenger pressed the train's call button, antagonizing one of the people fighting.
—
Monica Eng, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025
But rather than strengthen and harness the power of Western economies, the first Trump administration and then the Biden administration sometimes actively antagonized them, including with tariffs that have strained relationships with allies and tested the patience of American consumers.
—Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024
Everything the rivals were doing antagonized one another.
—Barry Levitt, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024
But on the other hand, the move threatens further antagonizing the very workers Boeing needs to restart jetliner production, at a time when skilled mechanics are in high demand.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for antagonize
Monica Eng, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025
But rather than strengthen and harness the power of Western economies, the first Trump administration and then the Biden administration sometimes actively antagonized them, including with tariffs that have strained relationships with allies and tested the patience of American consumers.
—Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024
Everything the rivals were doing antagonized one another.
—Barry Levitt, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024
But on the other hand, the move threatens further antagonizing the very workers Boeing needs to restart jetliner production, at a time when skilled mechanics are in high demand.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for antagonize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonize
Verb
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On Saturday, Hamas filmed two hostages who were forced to watch the release of others, turning to a camera and begging to be released, in yet another public spectacle that infuriated Israel.—
Joseph Krauss,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
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And what answers can Howe belatedly unearth to arrest Newcastle’s infuriating inconsistency?—
Chris Waugh,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, ordinary Americans will grow ever more enraged by the system’s ongoing failures, creating bountiful opportunities for someone who caters to their rage—someone like Donald Trump.—
Andrew Cockburn,
Harper's Magazine,
19 Feb. 2025
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Saudi Arabia, which as the region’s dominant diplomatic center, as well as spiritual home to the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims – many of whom are enraged by Israel’s actions – has perhaps the most skin in the game.—
Nic Robertson,
CNN,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The brand also angered left-leaning customers because of its conciliatory response to right-wing attacks.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN,
28 Feb. 2025
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The meeting angered Democrats, who were horrified by Trump and Vice President Vance's conduct.—
Andrew Solender,
Axios,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Beginning in the wake of Toby Fleishman’s divorce, the series appears at first to be very uncomplicated, with the angry, embittered Toby (Jesse Eisenberg) rebounding his way through New York City while ranting about his workaholic ex-wife, Rachel (Claire Danes).—
Lindsay Kusiak,
The Hollywood Reporter,
13 June 2023
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But with Republicans gaining control of the House and governor’s mansion the following year, that effort has since gone nowhere — embittering some unions against those who blocked it.—
Antonio Olivo,
Washington Post,
9 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Antagonize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonize. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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