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 proceedings in Congress leading up to the passage of the BBB were incredibly antagonistic between those with different views.
—
Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
The Trump team ignores that history, takes for granted all the benefits that a cooperative approach has yielded, and cannot envision a future in which other countries opt out of the existing U.S.-led international order or construct a new one that would be antagonistic to American interests.
—Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Cena's history with Stephanie McMahon in WWE storylines is extensive, primarily featuring her in antagonistic authority roles during his peak years as the company's top babyface.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Bet good money on Raul taking on an antagonistic role as the narrative progresses.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonistic
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Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
The Trump team ignores that history, takes for granted all the benefits that a cooperative approach has yielded, and cannot envision a future in which other countries opt out of the existing U.S.-led international order or construct a new one that would be antagonistic to American interests.
—Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Cena's history with Stephanie McMahon in WWE storylines is extensive, primarily featuring her in antagonistic authority roles during his peak years as the company's top babyface.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Bet good money on Raul taking on an antagonistic role as the narrative progresses.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 26 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 14 Jul. 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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