as in provoking
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
as in angering
to implant bitter feelings in
everything he said just antagonized the other side even more
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 antagonizing
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
See photos of Brooks' antagonizing style of play in action.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 19 Dec. 2025
Verb
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
See photos of Brooks' antagonizing style of play in action.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 19 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonizing
Adjective
-
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
-
But the arithmetic exercise is thought-provoking, nonetheless.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Iran’s decision to retaliate across the Middle East has amounted to a strategic mistake, isolating Tehran and angering neighbors, according to three high-ranking Arab diplomats with direct knowledge of the state of play and public statements from around the region.—
Andrea Mitchell,
NBC news,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Less precise bombs could mean more civilian casualties, complicating the war and angering even Iranians who wanted a regime change.—
Chris Tye,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Jeff Rosen said O’Connor would face at least 30 years of imprisonment pending aggravating factors still to be considered by a judge on March 11.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The Florida Supreme Court later found the trial court failed to give jurors certain information about aggravating circumstances and ordered a new sentencing.—
Freida Frisaro,
Sun Sentinel,
3 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
-
Eating a diet rich in polyphenols can reduce the body’s inflammatory response and heal tissue damage.—
Carrie Madormo,
Health,
3 Mar. 2026
-
They have been linked to improving skin barrier function and reducing inflammatory responses, both of which can contribute to healthier-looking skin over time.—
Pilar Melendez,
NBC news,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
For women in perimenopause and menopause, when hormones feel unpredictable and symptoms can be frustrating (er, infuriating) and vague, having a tool that makes at least one piece of the internal puzzle visible can be empowering.—
Rita Templeton,
Flow Space,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That annoying voice in the back of the mind or deep in your gut starts to sound more convincing.—
JD Barker,
Rolling Stone,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Of all the horror franchises out there, the Scream series is the one that feels most like being on the world’s most annoying hamster wheel.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
The process to get the story on the air has been exasperating.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
18 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antagonizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonizing. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
