as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will
countries that have been antagonistic towards each other for centuries
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Recent Examples of antagonistic
Although areas of potential cooperation between Brasília and Washington remain, the political agendas of Lula and Trump are fundamentally antagonistic, and any rapprochement is unlikely to materialize before Brazil’s 2026 elections.
—
Hussein Kalout, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025
For much of its past, consciousness research has always seemed rather antagonistic.
—Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025
Hot summers are nothing new for much of the United States, but the combination of heat and humidity has taken on a truly antagonistic role this year, pushing us closer to our melting points in an already uncomfortable season.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
Pritzker has been antagonistic to the Trump administration’s immigration efforts.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonistic
Hussein Kalout, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025
For much of its past, consciousness research has always seemed rather antagonistic.
—Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025
Hot summers are nothing new for much of the United States, but the combination of heat and humidity has taken on a truly antagonistic role this year, pushing us closer to our melting points in an already uncomfortable season.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
Pritzker has been antagonistic to the Trump administration’s immigration efforts.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonistic
Adjective
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The team's away record is also impressive, with two wins and one draw, showcasing its ability to perform under pressure in hostile environments.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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More than thirty signs referencing racial discrimination and the hostile attitudes of white people to those who were formerly enslaved will come down or be partially covered.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The conversation touched on handling negative criticism.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
20 Sep. 2025
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Think about using the experience of a negative limerent episode as an opportunity to improve your life.—
Marielle Segarra,
NPR,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Antagonistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonistic. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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