ANTAGONISTIC Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

antagonistic

adjective

(ˌ)an-ˌta-gə-ˈni-stik

Definition of antagonistic

as in hostile

marked by opposition or ill will countries that have been antagonistic towards each other for centuries

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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.

Recent Examples of antagonistic African-American architecture is usually in environments antagonistic to their existence or contributions. — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Aug. 2026 The long-time TV veteran maintained a recurring part as dominatrix Lady Heather in six episodes of CSI from 2001 to 2011 and later booked another meaty antagonistic role on Nikita. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026 The continued division of Korea into two antagonistic states underscores the limits of land power. — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 Trump has been antagonistic toward Canada since being reelected to the presidency in 2023. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for antagonistic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonistic

Adjective

Forecasters said the system is expected to be short-lived because of hostile environmental conditions starting on Friday that will prevent it from developing further.

— Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Electronic warfare systems such as NGJ-MB are carried by aircraft and use advanced electronics to interfere with or counter hostile electromagnetic systems.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of hostile

Adjective

Arjun Bhatia, an analyst at William Blair who recommends buying Salesforce shares, said investors who turned negative on cloud software companies or eliminated their exposure altogether due to AI concerns, are starting to come back.

— Jordan Novet, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Much like Big Tobacco was forced to admit that cigarettes can cause cancer or Purdue Pharma was forced to stop downplaying the risks of OxyContin, this agreement now puts Meta’s core products in a negative light.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of negative

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antagonist

antagonistic

antagonistically

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“Antagonistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonistic. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of antagonistic

adjective

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