antagonistic

adjective

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

Synonyms of antagonistic

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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.
With this pricey deal for Carlsson, the Ducks’ history of antagonistic negotiations with their free agents has become the defining feature of Verbeek’s front office. — Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Trump has long maintained a complicated, often antagonistic relationship with Swift. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 5 July 2026 Some use to it describe the most boisterous group of antagonistic influencers. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 Amid an increasingly complex and antagonistic immigration system, his story is one of rare success. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 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

Rhymes for antagonistic

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Browse Nearby Words

antagonist
antagonistic
antagonistically
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Cite this Entry

“Antagonistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antagonistic. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

antagonistic

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

More from Merriam-Webster on antagonistic

Nglish: Translation of antagonistic for Spanish Speakers

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