antagonism

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noun an·tag·o·nism \ an-ˈta-gə-ˌni-zəm \

Definition of antagonism

1 a :opposition of a conflicting force, tendency, or principle

the antagonism of democracy to dictatorship

b :actively expressed opposition or hostility

antagonism between factions

personal antagonism

2 :opposition in physiological action; especially :interaction of two or more substances such that the action of any one of them on living cells or tissues is lessened

See antagonism defined for English-language learners

See antagonism defined for kids

Examples of antagonism in a Sentence

The region has a long history of ethnic antagonisms.
the antagonism between them was so bad they couldn't even sit near each other

Recent Examples of antagonism from the Web

That antagonism stems from the fact that districts are politically captured by teachers’ unions, implacable foes of school choice.

— max c. eden, National Review, "The NAACP’s Inept Vendetta against Charter Schools," 3 Aug. 2017
What’s more, the practice of judging a president’s record by his successor’s antagonism to it is a new one, seemingly invented for Obama.

— jonathan chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Obama’s Legacy Is Finally Coming Into Focus, Thanks to Trump," 1 Aug. 2017
Antagonism toward newcomers is especially strong in a place that’s isolated, as Idaho has been, Moncrief said.

— anna webb, idahostatesman, "Anti-Californian sentiment has gripped Idaho for generations. Has anything changed?," 29 July 2017
But the president’s antagonism to the policies of his predecessor and the trade status quo are well known.

— jon talton, The Seattle Times, "Let’s hope bashing of global trade is just talk," 8 July 2017
Party rules that would once have screened out a Trump have given way to partisan antagonisms that empower him.

— david frum, The Atlantic, "Why Do Democracies Fail?," 20 June 2017
Right-wing parties in Europe often exhibit antagonism to immigration, but position themselves as defenders of public spending domestically.

— neil irwin, New York Times, "Trump Is Offering Populism, Minus the Free Candy," 17 June 2017
If only corrosive political antagonisms such as these were so neatly resolved.

— peter rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, "'The Journey' is an unconvincing talkathon that might have worked better on the stage," 16 June 2017
While Kohli did not speak for the fans, there was little obvious antagonism between supporters of different teams, who happily took selfies with one another and sat together in a way unimaginable to rival supporters at a Premier League soccer match.

— tim wigmore, New York Times, "India, Pakistan and Something Deeper Than Cricket," 4 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'antagonism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of antagonism

see antagonize

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1716

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antagonism Synonyms

Synonyms

animosity, animus, enmity, antipathy, bad blood, bitterness, gall, grudge, hostility, jaundice, rancor

Antonyms

amity

Related Words

blood feud, feud, score, vendetta; hate, hatred, loathing; vindictiveness, virulence, vitriol; alienation, disaffection, estrangement; conflict, coolness, discord, friction, strain, tension; inhospitableness, unfriendliness; malice, malignancy, malignity, spite, spitefulness, venom

Near Antonyms

amiability, amicability, civility, cordiality, friendliness, hospitality, neighborliness; comity, empathy, friendship, goodwill, sympathy, understanding

Synonym Discussion of antagonism

enmity, hostility, antipathy, antagonism, animosity, rancor, animus mean deep-seated dislike or ill will. enmity suggests positive hatred which may be open or concealed.

- an unspoken enmity

hostility suggests an enmity showing itself in attacks or aggression.

- hostility between the two nations

antipathy and antagonism imply a natural or logical basis for one's hatred or dislike, antipathy suggesting repugnance, a desire to avoid or reject, and antagonism suggesting a clash of temperaments leading readily to hostility.

- a natural antipathy for self-seekers
- antagonism between the brothers

animosity suggests intense ill will and vindictiveness that threaten to kindle hostility.

- animosity that led to revenge

rancor is especially applied to bitter brooding over a wrong.

- rancor filled every line of his letters

animus adds to animosity the implication of strong prejudice.

- objections devoid of personal animus

ANTAGONISM Defined for English Language Learners

antagonism

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noun

Definition of antagonism for English Language Learners

: a strong feeling of dislike or hatred : a desire to oppose something you dislike or disagree with

ANTAGONISM Defined for Kids

antagonism

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noun an·tag·o·nism \ an-ˈta-gə-ˌni-zəm \

Definition of antagonism for Students

:a strong feeling of dislike or disagreement

Medical Dictionary

antagonism

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noun an·tag·o·nism \ an-ˈtag-ə-ˌniz-əm \

medical Definition of antagonism

:opposition in physiological action:

a :opposing action in the effect of contraction of muscles (as the extensors and flexors of a part)

b :interaction of two or more substances such that the action of any one of them on living cells or tissues is lessened (as by interference with the uptake or by an opposing physiological reaction) — compare synergism