antagonize
verb
an·tag·o·nize
an-ˈta-gə-ˌnīz 
antagonized; antagonizing
1
: to incur or provoke the hostility of
His criticism antagonized his friends.
2
: to act in opposition to : counteract
The drug is antagonized by methylxanthines, such as caffeine and theophylline …—
Scientific American Medicine
Scientific American MedicineExamples of antagonize in a Sentence
He didn't mean to antagonize you.
Her comments antagonized many people.
Recent Examples on the Web
His reign was not perfect, and his liberal creed antagonized enough conservative Catholics that a counter-movement has emerged in the U.S., complete with its own conferences, private schools and publications.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
The thinking is apparently that there is little to be gained by antagonizing a ruthless but also chaotic administration that just might flip the money spigot back on as quickly as it was shut off.
—Ars Staff, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2025
Throughout their session, Jamie simultaneously antagonizes Briony, accusing her of trying to trick him and scaring her at several points by standing up and screaming directly in her face, and tries to win her over.
—Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
And like much of the city’s Democratic establishment, the unions appear more interested in making amends than antagonizing a famously sharp-elbowed leader who could have influence over city contracts and other priorities.
—Nicholas Fandos, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonize
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Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
The thinking is apparently that there is little to be gained by antagonizing a ruthless but also chaotic administration that just might flip the money spigot back on as quickly as it was shut off.
—Ars Staff, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2025
Throughout their session, Jamie simultaneously antagonizes Briony, accusing her of trying to trick him and scaring her at several points by standing up and screaming directly in her face, and tries to win her over.
—Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
And like much of the city’s Democratic establishment, the unions appear more interested in making amends than antagonizing a famously sharp-elbowed leader who could have influence over city contracts and other priorities.
—Nicholas Fandos, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonize
Cite this Entry
“Antagonize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antagonize. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
antagonize
verb
an·tag·o·nize
an-ˈtag-ə-ˌnīz
antagonized; antagonizing
: to stir up dislike or anger in
Medical Definition
antagonize
transitive verb
an·tag·o·nize
variants
also British antagonise
antagonized also British antagonised; antagonizing also British antagonising
: to act in antagonism to : counteract
these effects are antagonized by atropine—Ernest Bueding & Harry Most
Ernest Bueding & Harry MostLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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