antagonistic
Showing or feeling active opposition or hostility
Examples
In a meeting
“His antagonistic approach to feedback makes collaboration difficult.”
Over coffee
“Why are you being so antagonistic about my vacation plans?”
Why this word
hostile
Antagonistic implies active opposition or conflict-seeking; hostile can be passive ill-will or unfriendliness
unfriendly
Unfriendly is mild coldness; antagonistic suggests active working-against or provoking conflict
opposed
Opposed indicates disagreement; antagonistic adds confrontational attitude and active resistance
Usage tip
Use to describe behavior that actively opposes or provokes. Stronger than 'disagreeable'—suggests intent to create conflict.
Etymology
Greek 'antagonistes' (opponent, competitor) from 'anti-' (against) + 'agon' (contest)
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Anxious or worried about something that may happen in the future
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To bring a feeling, memory, or image into the mind
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To feel bitterness or indignation toward something or someone
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To make someone less angry or hostile through appeasement
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To cause to be loved or liked