as in to infuriate
to implant bitter feelings in
everything he said just antagonized the other side even more
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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 antagonize
Oh, Caitlin can clap at ya now, Caitlin can antagonize ya now.
—
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
In a brief Instagram post, 50 Cent — who has decades-long beef with Combs and repeatedly antagonized him over the course of the trial — joked about the Bad Boy Records founder being acquitted of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 2 July 2025
For their part, the Saudis might prefer not to antagonize the Iranian government given the recent rapprochement between the two or out a desire to avoid antagonizing a nuclear-armed neighbor.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Thailand’s armed forces have long played a powerful role in the kingdom’s politics, and politicians are usually careful not to antagonize them.
—Lionel Lim, Fortune, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonize
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
In a brief Instagram post, 50 Cent — who has decades-long beef with Combs and repeatedly antagonized him over the course of the trial — joked about the Bad Boy Records founder being acquitted of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 2 July 2025
For their part, the Saudis might prefer not to antagonize the Iranian government given the recent rapprochement between the two or out a desire to avoid antagonizing a nuclear-armed neighbor.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Thailand’s armed forces have long played a powerful role in the kingdom’s politics, and politicians are usually careful not to antagonize them.
—Lionel Lim, Fortune, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonize
Verb
-
The reversal served to infuriate Patrick, who presides over the Senate, and several lawmakers who accused Mindell of misleading them with his statements to the Finance panel.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, handed off pieces of the regulatory apparatus to allies of his primary competitor Elizabeth Warren, producing a domestic policy that pleasantly surprised his party’s left and infuriated American business leaders.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
28 July 2025
Verb
-
In 1995, when the Premier League was in its infancy and transfer fees were tiny in comparison to today, Newcastle United, serious title contenders, enraged their supporters by selling leading goalscorer Andy Cole to Manchester United for £6million plus winger Keith Gillespie.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
-
The prospect of seeing the Sussexes at royal events would enrage the monarchy’s loyal supporters.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
22 July 2025
Verb
-
The group invited those angered by rollbacks on things such as voting rights, essential services and free speech to join them July 17, the fifth anniversary of Lewis’ death.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
17 July 2025
-
Bondi has become a target for Trump’s supporters angered by the DOJ’s decision not to release the files, with some calling for her ouster.—
Sara Dorn,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
Verb
-
Domestic and regional actors often manipulate aid deliveries, creating a skewed economy that leaves some people embittered and others emboldened.—
Maha Yahya,
Foreign Affairs,
17 Feb. 2025
-
Many people feel frustrated — embittered by what some view as an overly cautious approach by the Biden administration, and having endured months of delays in receiving American military assistance last year after it was held up in Congress.—
Marc Santora,
New York Times,
19 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Antagonize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonize. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share