antagonism

noun

an·​tag·​o·​nism an-ˈta-gə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce antagonism (audio)
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
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
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.
The Trump administration’s antagonism toward the traditional transatlantic alliance could be the most consequential trigger of further European integration since the groundwork for the EU was laid in 1948. Arancha González Laya, Foreign Affairs, 12 May 2025 Interestingly, when the researchers attempted to block the receptor (receptor antagonism is a common pharmacological effect of many commercial drugs), anxiety actually increased. Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025 As Moutet showed in a remarkable match against Sebastian Ofner at last year’s French Open, this piece of tennis antagonism should be more often venerated as a smart tactic, giving the server another strategic option and the element of surprise. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025 Rubio said Trump’s tariffs and pitch to annex Canada was not on the agenda of the Group of Seven foreign ministers meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec, but was pressed on the president’s antagonism toward America’s northern neighbor. Laura Kelly, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antagonism

Word History

Etymology

see antagonize

First Known Use

1716, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of antagonism was in 1716

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antagonism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antagonism. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

antagonism

noun
an·​tag·​o·​nism an-ˈtag-ə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce antagonism (audio)
: a state of being opposed to something or unfriendly toward someone

Medical Definition

antagonism

noun
an·​tag·​o·​nism an-ˈtag-ə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce antagonism (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on antagonism

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