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
Like Napoleon’s France avant tout, the recent reversion to America First is antagonizing allies everywhere.
—S. C. M. Paine, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Markel said that while he and his wife, Christy, have been antagonized by wheelie riders, his view of the subgroup has changed over time.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
Boat captain Charlie Nunn told the outlet that the collision was a freak accident and was not caused by antagonizing the whale, adding that the woman is lucky she was not hurt.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025
So, part of our mission here is that there couldn't be a time in American history when there has been more divisiveness and antagonizing antagonism among different cultures, races, religions and walks of life.
—Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonize
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S. C. M. Paine, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Markel said that while he and his wife, Christy, have been antagonized by wheelie riders, his view of the subgroup has changed over time.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
Boat captain Charlie Nunn told the outlet that the collision was a freak accident and was not caused by antagonizing the whale, adding that the woman is lucky she was not hurt.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025
So, part of our mission here is that there couldn't be a time in American history when there has been more divisiveness and antagonizing antagonism among different cultures, races, religions and walks of life.
—Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 19 July 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 27 Aug. 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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