antagonize
verb (used with object)
to make hostile or unfriendly; make an enemy or antagonist of.
antagonizing
-
present participleof antagonize.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Meta’s new Muse is already inspiring some people—and antagonizing others.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
He did so to avoid antagonizing parts of the political and religious establishment that categorically reject hereditary or dynastic succession.
From Salon ● Mar. 6, 2026
And, two, how did the Ottawa captain feel about the White House posting an A.I.-generated video on its TikTok account that purported to show Tkachuk antagonizing the country where he works?
From Slate ● Feb. 27, 2026
She needs to maintain her popular tough stance on China without overly antagonizing Japan’s No. 2 customer for exports.
From Barron's ● Feb. 10, 2026
Terryl felt like her mother blamed her for antagonizing Danny, and making things worse.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
