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.
The first two-thirds of Season 1 focused on the antagonistic relationship between Langdon and Santos. Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025 Malicious hackers and antagonistic countries can already recognize and exploit vulnerabilities in threat detection models using AI agents. Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 China retaliated with 34% tariffs on all goods, European Union leaders also are considering countermeasures, and the suddenly antagonistic relationship with Canada and Mexico will have to be smoothed over during United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement talks in coming months. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025 Although Kilmer had gained a reputation for being antagonistic and self-absorbed early in his career, the actor captured the screen with his magnetic and striking performances. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antagonistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antagonistic. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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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