agonistic

[ ag-uh-nis-tik ]

/ ˌæg əˈnɪs tɪk /

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adjective

combative; striving to overcome in argument.

straining for effect: agonistic humor.

of or relating to ancient Greek athletic contests.

Ethology. pertaining to the range of activities associated with aggressive encounters between members of the same species, including threat, attack, appeasement, or retreat.

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Also ag·o·nis·ti·cal .

Origin of agonistic

1640–50; <Greek agōnistikós, equivalent to agōnist(ḗs) agonist + -ikos-ic

OTHER WORDS FROM agonistic

ag·o·nis·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby agonistic

gone coon, a, a goner, agonic, agonic line, agonist, agonistic, agonize, agonized, agonizing, agony, agony aunt

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use agonistic in a sentence

Something essential has been lost as these solo performances have gradually pushed agonistic events out of the Olympic spotlight.
The Olympics Wimps Out on Wrestling and Competition|James Romm|February 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Moreover, most of the burrows were only a few feet apart and no agonistic behavior was witnessed.
Summer Birds From the Yucatan Peninsula|Erwin E. Klaas
Such agonistic scenes must have entertained the reader of the time as much as they did the author.
Essays on the Greek Romances|Elizabeth Hazelton Haight
According to Aristotle himself, therefore, the Dialectician is agonistic and eristic, just as much as the Sophist.
Aristotle|George Grote

A dummy Bell Vireo elicited both agonistic and epigamic behavior from nesting pairs, depending on the phase of the nesting cycle.
Natural History of the Bell Vireo, Vireo bellii Audubon|Jon C. Barlow
These actions have been emancipated from incomplete take-offs and incorporated in ritualized courtship and agonistic behavior.
Natural History of the Bell Vireo, Vireo bellii Audubon|Jon C. Barlow

British Dictionary definitions for agonistic

agonistic

/ (ˌæɡəˈnɪstɪk) /

adjective

striving for effect; strained

eager to win in discussion or argument; competitive

Word Origin for agonistic

C17: via Late Latin from Greek agōnistikos, from agōn contest

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012