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
Investor Michael Burry—of Big Short fame—considered antagonizing the richest man on the planet over the IPO of his latest company.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 17 June 2026
Lots of contestants antagonize Alex for fun, but few dare to relentlessly prod both Alex and Greg in the span of the same show.
—Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 12 June 2026
The 38-year-old was known as one of the NHL’s best power forwards throughout parts of his career, often antagonizing opposing teams and even fan bases, primarily during his time in Boston.
—Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 8 June 2026
Haverill is introduced in season 1 as a domineering borough commander who antagonizes Det.
—Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for antagonize
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Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 17 June 2026
Lots of contestants antagonize Alex for fun, but few dare to relentlessly prod both Alex and Greg in the span of the same show.
—Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 12 June 2026
The 38-year-old was known as one of the NHL’s best power forwards throughout parts of his career, often antagonizing opposing teams and even fan bases, primarily during his time in Boston.
—Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 8 June 2026
Haverill is introduced in season 1 as a domineering borough commander who antagonizes Det.
—Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for antagonize
Cite this Entry
“Antagonize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antagonize. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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
