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

My question to you is whether an unfair assessment of what it means to kind of conduct is not necessarily an antagonistic interview, but something that's probing.

From Salon

"As boys and as men, they were always antagonistic towards each other; the breach was never healed," Sehri writes.

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

Over the past few months, party members seem to have pivoted to a less antagonistic stance on crypto, potentially hoping to avoid a deluge of spending aimed at defeating Democrats this November.

From Salon

Related Words

• combative
• hostile
• inimical
• unfriendly