antagonistic

[ an-tag-uh-nis-tik ]

adjective

1. acting in opposition; opposing, especially mutually.
2. hostile; unfriendly.

Other Words From

• an·tago·nisti·cal·ly adverb
• nonan·tago·nistic adjective
• nonan·tago·nisti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antagonistic¹

First recorded in 1625–35; antagonist + -ic

Example Sentences

Actual antagonistic and intimidating shows of force were increasing, too, if subtly.

From Salon

President-elect Donald Trump’s pick of Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general sent a clear signal through Washington on Wednesday that Trump intends for his Justice Department to take a sharp-elbowed, hyper-partisan approach to law and order — one that is both unquestioningly loyal to Trump and openly antagonistic toward his political opponents, legal and political experts said.

From Los Angeles Times

“The separation of powers doesn’t mean antagonistic relations between the executive and the judiciary, it doesn’t mean that they cannot meet,” he said at an event by the Indian Express newspaper, adding that such meetings were not used “to cut deals”.

From BBC

If Trump and Schiff both win, California’s likely voters want to see the Burbank lawmaker continue to play an antagonistic role against Trump, poll data suggest.

From Los Angeles Times

If Trump and Schiff both win, California’s likely voters want to see the Burbank lawmaker continue to play an antagonistic role against Trump, poll data suggest.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• combative
• hostile
• inimical
• unfriendly