as in provoking
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as in angering
to implant bitter feelings in
everything he said just antagonized the other side even more
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Recent Examples of antagonizing
Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
At a time when many in the business community tried to avoid antagonizing the Chinese government, Lai’s publications ran images that readers often brought to anti-government protests—including one that featured Hong Kong’s leader, Tung Chee-hwa, getting hit in the face with a pie.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Mar. 2026
Produced through his Loser Films shingle, the film is about a group of small-town amateur stuntmen whose days revolve around drinking, antagonizing their community, and filming crude, Jackass-style stunts.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2026
Dillon Brooks antagonizing, Devin Booker feigning indifference.
—Jason Quick, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
In 2023, the aforementioned Watts slammed Cutrone in an EW interview, over allegedly antagonizing her during an earlier challenge, which led to the pair's infamous on-air clash that resulted in Watts walking out of the judging deliberation and quitting the competition on the spot.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026
Even more important than retaining loyalists, as the Post’s recent history proves, is not deliberately antagonizing them or your own talent.
—John Williams, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2026
People from Maldonado’s group began antagonizing Jaquez’s group about not fully paying for their beer, according to the affidavit.
—Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
During the hearing, Republicans on the committee questioned agency leaders about the role of protestors antagonizing and threatening agents, as well as the rhetoric and decision-making of local leaders.
—Eric Henderson, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
One of the few sane adults left in his administration must have reminded him that antagonizing Catholics is a terrible political move.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
At a time when many in the business community tried to avoid antagonizing the Chinese government, Lai’s publications ran images that readers often brought to anti-government protests—including one that featured Hong Kong’s leader, Tung Chee-hwa, getting hit in the face with a pie.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Mar. 2026
Produced through his Loser Films shingle, the film is about a group of small-town amateur stuntmen whose days revolve around drinking, antagonizing their community, and filming crude, Jackass-style stunts.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2026
Dillon Brooks antagonizing, Devin Booker feigning indifference.
—Jason Quick, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
In 2023, the aforementioned Watts slammed Cutrone in an EW interview, over allegedly antagonizing her during an earlier challenge, which led to the pair's infamous on-air clash that resulted in Watts walking out of the judging deliberation and quitting the competition on the spot.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026
Even more important than retaining loyalists, as the Post’s recent history proves, is not deliberately antagonizing them or your own talent.
—John Williams, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2026
People from Maldonado’s group began antagonizing Jaquez’s group about not fully paying for their beer, according to the affidavit.
—Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
During the hearing, Republicans on the committee questioned agency leaders about the role of protestors antagonizing and threatening agents, as well as the rhetoric and decision-making of local leaders.
—Eric Henderson, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonizing
Adjective
-
Indeed, Lee’s work tends to be rich, thought-provoking, and hyper-personal, but fully engaging in her use of clever materials and the occasional laugh-out-loud punchline.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Gosling voices the film’s thought-provoking questions about victimization and villainy with full commitment, and his rigidity — that tall posture, those limitless eyes — add another layer to the work.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Mamdani’s also done an about-face on the city’s rental assistance program, CityFHEPs, angering progressive allies.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
This causes a rift within the family, particularly angering the eldest son, Erik, who feels deeply betrayed.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Prosecutors have also signaled the case involves aggravating factors, including the scale of destruction and potential danger to others.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2026
-
This is even more aggravating given that the previous night, João tried and failed to break things off with her.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Orbán had vetoed the bill after initially agreeing to it, enraging EU officials and counterparts across the 27-nation bloc.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
But every single thing that is enraging us about what’s going on at the federal level is also happening right here in Tarrant County.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Sitting for long stretches, whether at a desk or while commuting, can slow circulation and trigger the release of inflammatory chemicals.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Verywell Health,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Results from oral microbiome testing also revealed a link between blood pressure decrease and fewer inflammatory oral bacteria.—
Christina Manian,
Health,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The gap between what Greg and I did—and, more importantly, thought about—became a gigantic infuriating cavern for me.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
-
In San Francisco, a Waymo vehicle struck and killed a bodega cat in the city’s Mission District last fall, infuriating residents.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Go to Paris and be with your annoying bohemian friends!—
Alice Burton,
Vulture,
20 Apr. 2026
-
And every family has that annoying uncle that makes horrible jokes or one situation after another.—
Lexi Lane,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The kids ran into his arms with the most exasperating delight.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Some of the gags are inspired, some are exasperating, none of them are presented in a way that suggests the filmmakers know the difference, and all of them are shoved down your throat until they’re diminished enough to swallow.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antagonizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonizing. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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