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
In the initial exchange, Charlamagne was antagonizing Nelly about his music.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 25 June 2025
The cautious tones could further antagonize Trump, who has ramped up his long-standing criticism of Powell.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 24 June 2025
His reign was not perfect, and his liberal creed antagonized enough conservative Catholics that a counter-movement has emerged in the U.S., complete with its own conferences, private schools and publications.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
They’re supported and sometimes antagonized by a colorful retinue of women, and each actor in the six-woman cast steps forward to steal at least one scene.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonize
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Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 25 June 2025
The cautious tones could further antagonize Trump, who has ramped up his long-standing criticism of Powell.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 24 June 2025
His reign was not perfect, and his liberal creed antagonized enough conservative Catholics that a counter-movement has emerged in the U.S., complete with its own conferences, private schools and publications.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
They’re supported and sometimes antagonized by a colorful retinue of women, and each actor in the six-woman cast steps forward to steal at least one scene.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 2 June 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 3 Jul. 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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