Definition

Describing a situation or behavior where someone is opposed to or hostile towards something or someone else.

Example

The two groups had antagonistic views on the proposed policy changes.

Conversation

I noticed that some of the team members have been a bit antagonistic lately.

Yeah, it's like there's tension in the air during practice.

I wonder what’s causing that kind of antagonistic behavior.

Maybe they're just competing too hard and need to relax a bit.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Antagonistic → It is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "agonizesthai" (Greek for to struggle or contend). The word describes a state of being in opposition or conflict, as if struggling against something.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'against' ('anti-') something and 'struggling' ('agonizesthai') with it — that's why antagonistic means being in opposition.

Visually Confused Words