antagonistic

[an-tag-uh-nis-tik]

adjective

1. acting in opposition; opposing, especially mutually.

2. hostile; unfriendly.

Other Word Forms

• antagonistically adverb
• nonantagonistic adjective
• nonantagonistically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antagonistic¹

First recorded in 1625–35; antagonist + -ic

Example Sentences

They’ve been antagonistic, and it felt like a beautiful moment of female friendship and blossoming and this incredible Gaga song was just like the icing on the cake.

From Los Angeles Times

Several weeks later, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order reaffirming California’s commitment to its emissions goals, and effectively sending state agencies back to the drawing board in light of a newly antagonistic federal government.

From Los Angeles Times

McDonald said the company’s push toward Discovery Mode — where artists accept a lower royalty rate in exchange for better placement in its algorithm — added to the sense that Spotify is antagonistic to working artists’ values.

From Los Angeles Times

And that escalation comes amid growing global instability contributing to a Manichean world of antagonistic armed blocs, reminiscent of the Cold War at its worst.

From Salon

Los Angeles, home of the nation’s first freeway and drive-in church, has long been ambivalent if not downright antagonistic toward paid parking.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• combative 
• hostile 
• inimical 
• unfriendly