antagonistic

adjective

an·​tag·​o·​nis·​tic (ˌ)an-ˌta-gə-ˈni-stik How to pronounce antagonistic (audio)
: showing dislike or opposition : marked by or resulting from antagonism
an antagonistic relationship
factions antagonistic to one another
antagonistically adverb

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
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.
Still, the relationship never became too antagonistic. Tae Kim, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024 However, their early rhetoric is setting an antagonistic tone toward federal workers, which threatens to undermine DOGE’s goals. James Broughel, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 The choice of Rubio for secretary of state has already eased concern by top diplomats who feared Trump would pick Ric Grenell, a favorite of the far-right and former U.S. ambassador to Germany, who would have an antagonistic attitude toward the State Department, Politico reported. Miami Herald Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 Nov. 2024 This approach offers a far less antagonistic pathway to reduce unemployment and bring California in line with national economic benchmarks. Bob Stonebrook, The Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for antagonistic 

Word History

Etymology

see antagonize

First Known Use

circa 1637, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antagonistic was circa 1637

Dictionary Entries Near antagonistic

Cite this Entry

“Antagonistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antagonistic. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

antagonistic

adjective
an·​tag·​o·​nis·​tic (ˌ)an-ˌtag-ə-ˈnis-tik How to pronounce antagonistic (audio)
: showing antagonism
antagonistically adverb

Medical Definition

antagonistic

adjective
an·​tag·​o·​nis·​tic (ˌ)an-ˌtag-ə-ˈnis-tik How to pronounce antagonistic (audio)
1
: characterized by or resulting from antagonism
antagonistic antibiotics
2
: relating to or being muscles that are antagonists
skeletal muscles arranged in antagonistic pairs
antagonistically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on antagonistic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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