Synonyms of antagonistic

antagonistic

adjective

(ˌ)an-ˌta-gə-ˈni-stik 

as in hostile

marked by opposition or ill will

countries that have been antagonistic towards each other for centuries

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hostile
• negative
• adverse
• contentious
• adversarial
• unfavorable
• antipathetic
• conflicting
• opposed
• inimical
• unfriendly
• adversary
• inhospitable
• unpleasant
• unsympathetic
• jaundiced
• militant
• mortal
• belligerent
• combative
• contrary
• malicious
• bellicose
• pugnacious
• icy
• frigid
• resisting
• antisocial
• disagreeable
• quarrelsome
• argumentative
• truculent
• clashing
• distant
• rude
• disputatious
• biased
• hateful
• bitter
• virulent
• disapproving
• spiteful
• unkind
• vindictive
• discourteous
• prejudiced
• cold
• malevolent
• malignant
• scrappy
• acrimonious
• uncivil
• unsociable
• surly
• impolite
• inconsiderate
• unmannerly
• malign
• impertinent
• cool
• rancorous
• opprobrious
• unloving
• ill-mannered
• despiteful
• ill-bred

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sympathetic
• friendly
• social
• hospitable
• civil
• amiable
• cordial
• pleasant
• warm
• amicable
• genial
• affable
• gracious
• neighborly
• nonhostile
• convivial
• gregarious
• sociable
• nonantagonistic
• companionable
• loving
• affectionate
• kind
• sweet
• good-natured
• favorable
• devoted
• benign
• kindly
• nice
• agreeable
• comradely
• empathetic
• good-tempered
• accepting
• understanding
• welcoming
• warmhearted
• approving

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of antagonistic

With this pricey deal for Carlsson, the Ducks’ history of antagonistic negotiations with their free agents has become the defining feature of Verbeek’s front office. — Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Amid an increasingly complex and antagonistic immigration system, his story is one of rare success. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026

And given this context, Anthropic’s actions are viewed by many within Washington as not simply unwise, but actively antagonistic. — Tina Nguyen, The Verge, 17 June 2026

Still, the relationship was at times antagonistic. — Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 17 June 2026