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
Vance is now tasked with the job of threading the needle; forcefully supporting and defending the administration's policies in the media while not antagonizing swing voters away from the GOP column in three years.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Gizelle, to her nominal credit, offers an apology for antagonizing Monique during such a sensitive time.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025
But Modi will navigate a balancing act to avoid antagonizing Washington in the midst of delicate trade negotiations.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 3 Dec. 2025
Family members told deputies they were frustrated because Crump had been antagonizing others in the home, though officers said no crime had occurred.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonize
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Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Gizelle, to her nominal credit, offers an apology for antagonizing Monique during such a sensitive time.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025
But Modi will navigate a balancing act to avoid antagonizing Washington in the midst of delicate trade negotiations.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 3 Dec. 2025
Family members told deputies they were frustrated because Crump had been antagonizing others in the home, though officers said no crime had occurred.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 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 13 Dec. 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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