Antagonism — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /an-ˈta-gə-ˌni-zəm/ an·tag·o·nism

Meaning & Definition of Antagonism

Antagonism (noun)

  1. opposition of a conflicting force, tendency, or principle
  2. actively expressed opposition or hostility
  3. 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

Antagonism (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a deep-seated ill will

    "the antagonism between them was so bad they couldn't even sit near each other"

    similar: animosity, animus, antipathy, bad blood, bitterness, enmity, gall, grudge, hostility, jaundice, rancor
    related: blood feud, feud, score, vendetta, hate, hatred, loathing, vindictiveness, virulence, vitriol, alienation, disaffection, estrangement, conflict, coolness, discord, friction, strain, tension, inhospitableness, unfriendliness, malice, malignancy, malignity, spite, spitefulness, venom
    opposite: amity
    near: amiability, amicability, civility, cordiality, friendliness, hospitality, neighborliness, comity, empathy, friendship, goodwill, sympathy, understanding

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Antagonism

The most common words with a similar meaning to Antagonism:

animosity, animus, antipathy, bad blood, bitterness, enmity, gall, grudge, hostility, jaundice, rancor

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Antagonism

Words with the opposite meaning of Antagonism:

amity

Related Words for Antagonism

blood feud, feud, score, vendetta, hate, hatred, loathing, vindictiveness, virulence, vitriol, alienation, disaffection, estrangement, conflict, coolness, discord, friction, strain, tension, inhospitableness, unfriendliness, malice, malignancy, malignity, spite, spitefulness, venom

Near Antonyms of Antagonism

amiability, amicability, civility, cordiality, friendliness, hospitality, neighborliness, comity, empathy, friendship, goodwill, sympathy, understanding

Origin & Etymology of Antagonism

First known use: 1716

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Antagonism

Frequently Asked Questions about Antagonism

What does "Antagonism" mean?

"Antagonism" means opposition of a conflicting force, tendency, or principle. As a noun, it is defined as: opposition of a conflicting force, tendency, or principle.

What is another word for "Antagonism"?

Other words for "Antagonism" include animosity, animus, antipathy, bad blood, bitterness, enmity, gall and grudge. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Antagonism" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Antagonism"?

There are 38 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Antagonism". Common alternatives include animosity, animus, antipathy, bad blood, bitterness, enmity, gall, grudge, hostility and jaundice.

What is the opposite of "Antagonism"?

Antonyms of "Antagonism" include amity. Near antonyms include amiability, amicability, civility and cordiality.

How do you use "Antagonism" in a sentence?

Examples of "Antagonism" in a sentence: "the antagonism between them was so bad they couldn't even sit near each other".

Is "Antagonism" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Antagonism" is a noun.

Is "Antagonism" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Antagonism" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Antagonism"?

"Antagonism" is pronounced /an-ˈta-gə-ˌni-zəm/ and divided into syllables as an·tag·o·nism.