antagonism

noun

an·​tag·​o·​nism an-ˈta-gə-ˌni-zəm 

1

a

: opposition of a conflicting force, tendency, or principle

the antagonism of democracy to dictatorship

b

: actively expressed opposition or hostility

antagonism between factions

personal antagonism

2

: opposition in physiological action

especially : interaction of two or more substances such that the action of any one of them on living cells or tissues is lessened

Synonyms

• animosity
• animus
• antipathy
• bad blood
• bitterness
• enmity
• gall
• grudge
• hostility
• jaundice
• rancor

Choose the Right Synonym for antagonism

enmity, hostility, antipathy, antagonism, animosity, rancor, animus mean deep-seated dislike or ill will.

enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

an unspoken enmity

hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

hostility between the two nations

antipathy and antagonism imply a natural or logical basis for one's hatred or dislike, antipathy suggesting repugnance, a desire to avoid or reject, and antagonism suggesting a clash of temperaments leading readily to hostility.

a natural antipathy for self-seekers

antagonism between the brothers

animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

animosity that led to revenge

rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong.

rancor filled every line of his letters

animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice.

objections devoid of personal animus

Examples of antagonism in a Sentence

The region has a long history of ethnic antagonisms.

the antagonism between them was so bad they couldn't even sit near each other

Recent Examples on the Web

But Roy is widely seen as an extreme long shot for the job given his antagonism to leadership and his previous votes against procedural rules — legislation designed by the Rules panel that governs debate and consideration of amendments on the House floor — despite being on the committee. —Emily Brooks, The Hill, 3 Jan. 2025

Archival footage helps the director explore the history of Cuban resistance, its antagonism to the American imperial project and Fidel Castro’s evolving reputation. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024

If Trump does ultimately choose antagonism, U.S. intelligence agencies will face serious challenges in executing their daily operations and in focusing on their core missions. —Peter Schroeder, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2025

Both stories are unusually accurate in their sense of hostile inclusion, with French pioneers, Native tribes and white Americans in a state of perpetual antagonism. —Chris Vognar, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see antagonize

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Kids Definition

antagonism

noun

an·​tag·​o·​nism an-ˈtag-ə-ˌniz-əm 

: a state of being opposed to something or unfriendly toward someone

Medical Definition

antagonism

noun

an·​tag·​o·​nism an-ˈtag-ə-ˌniz-əm 

: opposition in physiological action:

a

: opposing action in the effect of contraction of muscles (as the extensors and flexors of a part)

b

: interaction of two or more substances such that the action of any one of them on living cells or tissues is lessened (as by interference with the uptake or by an opposing physiological reaction) compare synergism