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
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
Whether to avoid antagonizing potential donors or boxing themselves in as too far to the political left, some candidates, including Katie Porter and Eric Swalwell have largely avoided taking a hard and fast stance to this point.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026
Israel is still internationally ostracized over its war in Gaza, and by recognizing Somaliland, the country risks antagonizing its regional neighbors and the global community.
—Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
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
Whether to avoid antagonizing potential donors or boxing themselves in as too far to the political left, some candidates, including Katie Porter and Eric Swalwell have largely avoided taking a hard and fast stance to this point.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026
Israel is still internationally ostracized over its war in Gaza, and by recognizing Somaliland, the country risks antagonizing its regional neighbors and the global community.
—Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 30 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonizing
Adjective
-
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
-
Collections and designers put their best foot forward, delivering high-caliber collections — some were uplifting, others were thought-provoking, most were both.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This causes a rift within the family, particularly angering the eldest son, Erik, who feels deeply betrayed.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The administration also decided to allow the up to 80,000 metric tons of low-tariff, lower-quality beef from Argentina to be imported to help keep grocery prices down, angering cattle ranchers who argue the decision will hurt domestic production and sales.—
Jennifer Jacobs,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Jurors heard arguments from attorneys on the case after the verdicts were read to determine if aggravating factors apply at sentencing.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Court records show the aggravating circumstances mean a criminal sentence would have to adhere to the upper bound of sentencing requirements.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Talking about a movie, good or bad, is free marketing, and Fennell seems to understand better than most that enraging potential ticket-holders is a promotional strategy.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Hulu This startling three-part docuseries tells the unfortunate, enraging story of Larry Ray.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Its current blockbuster is a drug called Bimzelx, which is used to treat autoimmune disorders including psoriasis and inflammatory arthritis.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Studies suggest that MSCs can interact with immune cells in ways that help modulate inflammatory signaling, without broadly suppressing immune function.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Granular, often infuriating descriptions like that one are ultimately what make Hail Mary sing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Instead of infuriating customers at drive-thrus, the company is looking to exasperate its existing employees with the tech instead.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Food allergy safety is now being treated as a pillar of hospitality, not an inconvenience or an annoying exception.—
K. H. Koehler,
Ascend Agency,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Everybody’s a critic, and critics can be very annoying.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
As was the overall result for a confounding team (23-10) that essentially has been equal parts exhilarating and exasperating.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
-
One early road trip scene is particularly exasperating, carrying the feeling of carpooling with acquaintances who simply don’t like you enough to involve you.—
Blake Simons,
IndieWire,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antagonizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonizing. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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