as in provoking
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as in angering
to implant bitter feelings in
everything he said just antagonized the other side even more
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of antagonizing
Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 30 Dec. 2025
Monster mother-in-law Andrew's adoring, uptight mother, Evelyn (Elizabeth Perkins), has a more prominent role in the film than in the book, further antagonizing Nina while also providing a deeper backstory for Andrew.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Dec. 2025
See photos of Brooks' antagonizing style of play in action.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 19 Dec. 2025
Vance is now tasked with the job of threading the needle; forcefully supporting and defending the administration's policies in the media while not antagonizing swing voters away from the GOP column in three years.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Gizelle, to her nominal credit, offers an apology for antagonizing Monique during such a sensitive time.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025
But Modi will navigate a balancing act to avoid antagonizing Washington in the midst of delicate trade negotiations.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 3 Dec. 2025
Family members told deputies they were frustrated because Crump had been antagonizing others in the home, though officers said no crime had occurred.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025
Sliwa warned both were taking the wrong approach by antagonizing the president.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
Israel is still internationally ostracized over its war in Gaza, and by recognizing Somaliland, the country risks antagonizing its regional neighbors and the global community.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonizing
Adjective
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The characterizations are complex and thought-provoking, and the descriptions of the natural world put the reader right there.—
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The 2024 three-part docuseries American Nightmare dives headfirst into several thought-provoking issues, like victim blaming and the glaring inadequacies in the criminal justice system.—
Verb
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The board instead approved a resolution to reexamine current campus spaces, angering some parents.—
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Meanwhile another son, Eduardo, lobbied US officials to impose tariffs on Brazil in response to the verdict, angering many back home.—
Adjective
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As part of McFadden’s plea deal with prosecutors, a felony charge of embezzlement by a clerk or agent against her was dismissed, along with an enhancement that alleged aggravating circumstances.—
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The state of Missouri has a list of statutory aggravating circumstances that must be present before pursuing the death penalty.—
Verb
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Cramped, about living with debilitating period pain, is funny, educational, and at times enraging.—
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Paul’s antics are enraging, a bit funny, and a perfect encapsulation of the Chris Paul experience.—
Adjective
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Lopez rushed her back to the emergency room, where an MRI revealed a diagnosis of transverse myelitis, a rare inflammatory disorder affecting the spinal cord.—
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His resignation comes after last month's trial in which inflammatory texts Phelps sent during contentious revenue-sharing negotiations were revealed.—
Verb
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The implications are infuriating.—
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The hosts’ stand-in captain was at his eccentric best, infuriating bowlers and fielders alike.—
Adjective
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Meynecke said his footage suggested the whales found their hangers-on annoying.—
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Thankfully, the best faux garlands offer the look and oftentimes feel of the real thing without the sticky sap or annoying cleanup.—
Adjective
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But dropping the gloves can feel like an exasperating last act born of desperation and hopelessness - a door that slams behind you, leaves you in the dark and seldom reopens.—
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The 49ers beat the Bears 42-38 Sunday night in one of the more spellbinding and exasperating games in recent NFL history.—
Cite this Entry
“Antagonizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonizing. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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