antagonism
noun
an·tag·o·nism
an-ˈta-gə-ˌni-zəm 
1
a
: opposition of a conflicting force, tendency, or principle
the antagonism of democracy to dictatorship
b
: actively expressed opposition or hostility
antagonism between factions
personal antagonism
2
: opposition in physiological action
especially
: interaction of two or more substances such that the action of any one of them on living cells or tissues is lessened
Synonyms
Examples of antagonism in a Sentence
The region has a long history of ethnic antagonisms.
the antagonism between them was so bad they couldn't even sit near each other
Recent Examples on the Web
For decades, relations between First Nations and the companies keen to develop resources on their land had been mired in antagonism rooted in the legacy of colonialism.
—
Justin Worland/toronto, TIME, 27 June 2024
Meanwhile, tensions on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon are spiking, with both Israeli officials and the leader of Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah trading threats of war as Iran’s proxies in the region maintain their antagonism with the Jewish state.
—Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 21 June 2024
In the British-German relationship, three main conditions led from rising antagonism to war.
—Odd Arne Westad, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2024
Also, yesterday the Southern Baptist Convention rejected a ban on women pastors, a major victory for those seeking to maintain local church autonomy and soften what many considered growing antagonism toward women in ministry.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for antagonism 
Justin Worland/toronto, TIME, 27 June 2024
Meanwhile, tensions on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon are spiking, with both Israeli officials and the leader of Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah trading threats of war as Iran’s proxies in the region maintain their antagonism with the Jewish state.
—Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 21 June 2024
In the British-German relationship, three main conditions led from rising antagonism to war.
—Odd Arne Westad, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2024
Also, yesterday the Southern Baptist Convention rejected a ban on women pastors, a major victory for those seeking to maintain local church autonomy and soften what many considered growing antagonism toward women in ministry.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for antagonism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'antagonism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near antagonism
Cite this Entry
“Antagonism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antagonism. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
antagonism
noun
an·tag·o·nism
an-ˈtag-ə-ˌniz-əm
: a state of being opposed to something or unfriendly toward someone
Medical Definition
antagonism
noun
an·tag·o·nism
an-ˈtag-ə-ˌniz-əm
: opposition in physiological action:
a
: opposing action in the effect of contraction of muscles (as the extensors and flexors of a part)
b
: interaction of two or more substances such that the action of any one of them on living cells or tissues is lessened (as by interference with the uptake or by an opposing physiological reaction) compare synergism
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