antagonistic
adjective
an·tag·o·nis·tic
(ˌ)an-ˌta-gə-ˈni-stik 
: showing dislike or opposition : marked by or resulting from antagonism
an antagonistic relationship
factions antagonistic to one another
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
The zoo staff set up traps in locations where the otters were seen more than once, but like any good story, antagonistic foil characters in the form of raccoons quite literally foiled their plans by interfering with the contraptions.
—
Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 12 June 2025
Porter needs to take a more antagonistic stance against Arnold’s Folly, including demanding Newsom and the Legislature remove that funding.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 31 May 2025
Undoubtedly, Washington’s antagonistic turn has created new headwinds for Europe on trade, economic growth, and defense.
—Theodore Bunzel, Foreign Affairs, 30 May 2025
Families and found families are necessary, especially to get through social moments that are antagonistic to your being.
—Gordon Cox, Variety, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonistic
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Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 12 June 2025
Porter needs to take a more antagonistic stance against Arnold’s Folly, including demanding Newsom and the Legislature remove that funding.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 31 May 2025
Undoubtedly, Washington’s antagonistic turn has created new headwinds for Europe on trade, economic growth, and defense.
—Theodore Bunzel, Foreign Affairs, 30 May 2025
Families and found families are necessary, especially to get through social moments that are antagonistic to your being.
—Gordon Cox, Variety, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonistic
Cite this Entry
“Antagonistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antagonistic. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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Medical Definition
antagonistic
adjective
an·tag·o·nis·tic
(ˌ)an-ˌtag-ə-ˈnis-tik
1
: characterized by or resulting from antagonism
antagonistic antibiotics
2
: relating to or being muscles that are antagonists
skeletal muscles arranged in antagonistic pairs
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