as in hostile
marked by opposition or ill will
countries that have been antagonistic towards each other for centuries
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Recent Examples of antagonistic
To below-the-line workers, longer deals will offer the promise, in the AMPTP’s view, of greater job security in a less antagonistic labor environment.
—
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 22 Dec. 2025
Because no antagonistic behavior was observed between the dolphins and the whales, the researchers have concluded that the entire endeavor is an example of cooperative foraging in which both species benefit.
—New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025
His pinhole view of both markets and states leaves little room for the more complicated, sometimes antagonistic interplay between them.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
Conversely, after Lai used less antagonistic language toward China in speeches this May and October, China declined to hold large military drills.
—Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonistic
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 22 Dec. 2025
Because no antagonistic behavior was observed between the dolphins and the whales, the researchers have concluded that the entire endeavor is an example of cooperative foraging in which both species benefit.
—New Atlas, 12 Dec. 2025
His pinhole view of both markets and states leaves little room for the more complicated, sometimes antagonistic interplay between them.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
Conversely, after Lai used less antagonistic language toward China in speeches this May and October, China declined to hold large military drills.
—Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonistic
Adjective
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His 134 men were armed with musket, cartridge pouch, and sword in case of a hostile encounter, and the Africaansche Galey lay close by with a couple of small cannon brought forward on the bow.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
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The broader goal, Rubio said, is a prosperous Venezuela aligned with the United States and no longer serving as a hub for hostile foreign powers.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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And one of the main lessons that will be learned from that account is that while the harms that occurred came quickly and sometimes surprisingly easily, their negative consequences — on universities and society at large — will linger for a long time.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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The rapid rise of AI technology has had negative effects on the climate and humanity, albeit indirectly.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antagonistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonistic. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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