as in to infuriate
to implant bitter feelings in
everything he said just antagonized the other side even more
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 antagonize
Vance is now tasked with the job of threading the needle; forcefully supporting and defending the administration's policies in the media while not antagonizing swing voters away from the GOP column in three years.
—
Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, as the White House continues to antagonize pop stars, Vance is on X declaring his stake in the Nicki Minaj versus Cardi B rap feud, which has been largely dormant since October.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2025
With This is Gavin Newsom, the California governor is obviously working to position himself as some sort of aisle-bridging but Trump-antagonizing candidate, an acquiescent project that involves booking Steve Bannon one week and Ezra Klein the next.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025
But Modi will navigate a balancing act to avoid antagonizing Washington in the midst of delicate trade negotiations.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonize
Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, as the White House continues to antagonize pop stars, Vance is on X declaring his stake in the Nicki Minaj versus Cardi B rap feud, which has been largely dormant since October.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2025
With This is Gavin Newsom, the California governor is obviously working to position himself as some sort of aisle-bridging but Trump-antagonizing candidate, an acquiescent project that involves booking Steve Bannon one week and Ezra Klein the next.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025
But Modi will navigate a balancing act to avoid antagonizing Washington in the midst of delicate trade negotiations.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonize
Verb
-
But Newsom’s decision to leave LaMalfa’s seat vacant as long as possible has infuriated California Republicans.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Besides playing with his usual defensive edginess, Larsson chipped in 16 points (7-for-9 shooting), nine assists, six rebounds and a steal and twice managed to infuriate normally mild-manner veteran DeMar DeRozan, who body checked him to the ground on one sequence and clotheslined him on another.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis last Saturday has enraged many people across the country.—
Frank Langfitt,
NPR,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Duran booted a water bottle on his way down the tunnel while manager Unai Emery was enraged by Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall putting his finger to his lips and telling the Spaniard to be quiet.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Opposition to the war grew in Australia along with the Palestinian death toll, and last September the government angered Israeli leaders by supporting other like-minded Western nations, including Canada and the United Kingdom, by formally recognizing Palestinian statehood.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Republican senators, who were responding to the revelation subpoenas of members’ phone records by former special counsel Jack Smith in his 2020 election probe, had previously blindsided and angered the House by including that provision in a bill to end the historic government shutdown.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
The Hill,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Here, the situation has changed, leaving many of the gods either hardened or embittered by the conflict.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Domestic and regional actors often manipulate aid deliveries, creating a skewed economy that leaves some people embittered and others emboldened.—
Maha Yahya,
Foreign Affairs,
17 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Antagonize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonize. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
