Antagonistic
mediumNegative tonean-TAG-uh-nis-tik
adjective
Definition
Showing or feeling active opposition or hostility toward someone or something
Memory hook
ANT-AGONISTIC: the ant is AGAINST you, fighting and hostile at every turn.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The two departments had an antagonistic relationship.”
“His antagonistic attitude made cooperation impossible.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The two departments had an ______ relationship.”
Show answer
antagonistic
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Antagonistic is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "hostile" or "adversarial" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "amicable".
Related GRE Words
belligerent
Hostile and aggressive; engaged in war or conflict
bellicose
Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight
inimical
Tending to obstruct or harm; unfriendly; hostile
pugnacious
Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight
truculent
Eager to argue or fight; aggressively defiant
adverse
Preventing success or development; harmful or unfavorable
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