antagonism

noun

an·tag·o·nism | \ an-ˈta-gə-ˌni-zəm

Definition of antagonism

1a : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about antagonism

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Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web

Looking back, hate-crimes legislation was supposed to manifest society’s special sensitivity to acts stoking group antagonism. — Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, "Are Hate-Crime Laws Helping?," 22 Feb. 2019 The Fascist Party’s mounting antagonism toward Italian Jews, culminating in the 1938 racial laws, provides the backdrop to the personal dramas. — Sam Sacks, WSJ, "Fiction: A Memorial Tablet in Viale Cavour," 21 Dec. 2018 While China's cold clashes with the U.S. and its antagonism toward Taiwan grab the most headlines, the superpower has been in conflict with Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Malaysia at one time or another. — David Hambling, Popular Mechanics, "What You Need to Know About the South China Sea, the World's Next Hot Spot," 27 Feb. 2019 The antagonism ended last month when Ethiopia accepted a peace deal originally signed in 2000. — Elias Meseret, Fox News, "Ethiopian, Eritrean leaders at concert for diplomatic thaw," 15 July 2018 But the trade war and the Trump administration’s antagonism toward Beijing has changed all that. — Alex Ward, Vox, "Everyone warns of China’s rise. But its decline could be even worse.," 12 Dec. 2018 But will the Trump administration, with its antagonism to the ACA, significantly reverse the Obamacare's coverage gains? — Washington Post, "The Health 202: Trump's moves haven't yet significantly decreased the number of people with health insurance," 22 May 2018 Once the refugee issue is exposed as a scam, Palestinian leaders would have to learn how to govern, not merely stir up antagonism with Israel. — Richard Goldberg And, WSJ, "Expose the Palestinian ‘Refugee’ Scam," 5 July 2018 That was under Moreno’s predecessor, Rafael Correa, whose political identity was based partly on his antagonism toward the United States. — Kenneth P. Vogel, The Seattle Times, "Manafort tried to broker deal with Ecuador to hand Assange over to U.S.," 3 Dec. 2018

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.

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Dictionary Entries near antagonism

antagonistic cooperation

Statistics for antagonism

Last Updated

6 Jun 2019

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Time Traveler for antagonism

The first known use of antagonism was in 1716

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More Definitions for antagonism

antagonism

noun

English Language Learners Definition of antagonism

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

See the full definition for antagonism in the English Language Learners Dictionary

antagonism

noun

an·tag·o·nism | \ an-ˈta-gə-ˌni-zəm

Kids Definition of antagonism

: a strong feeling of dislike or disagreement

antagonism

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