as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will
countries that have been antagonistic towards each other for centuries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of antagonistic
The design, Hing said, intentionally inverts the traditional characterization of the yeak as an antagonistic or even demonic force.
—
Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
Crowe will portray a swordsman who mentors Cavill's Highlander, and Bautista will play an antagonistic immortal known as the Kurgen, while Gillan will star as Connor's very mortal wife.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026
The endeavors and desires of the Bantu [Black people] and the endeavors and objectives of all Europeans [white people] will be antagonistic.
—Eve Fairbanks, The Dial, 27 Jan. 2026
Uniter of variant and antagonistic elements of our people?
—Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antagonistic
Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
Crowe will portray a swordsman who mentors Cavill's Highlander, and Bautista will play an antagonistic immortal known as the Kurgen, while Gillan will star as Connor's very mortal wife.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026
The endeavors and desires of the Bantu [Black people] and the endeavors and objectives of all Europeans [white people] will be antagonistic.
—Eve Fairbanks, The Dial, 27 Jan. 2026
Uniter of variant and antagonistic elements of our people?
—Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antagonistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonistic
Adjective
-
This time, the report suggests that Cosco’s ownership stake would vary by port and that some terminals in jurisdictions hostile to China could be carved out.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
4 Mar. 2026
-
While the industry has not in recent memory suffered a major disruption due to a hostile attack, smaller-scale DDoS attacks, as well as ransomware attacks, have disrupted pockets of the market.—
Reuters
Wire Service,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In fact, following a low-protein diet can have negative effects on older adults’ bone health and muscle mass.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
4 Mar. 2026
-
California schools now face legal pressure to disclose student gender information to parents, even when students fear negative family reactions.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antagonistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonistic. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
