Words / C1

an-TAG-uh-niz-uh-m/ænˈtæɡənɪzəm/

Antagonism is active dislike or opposition between people or groups — hotter than disagreement. Hostility is a close synonym; conflict can be the clash itself. Antagonistic is the adjective; antagonist is an opponent (and a literary rival). In speech, bad blood or they cannot stand each other is blunter. Do not use it for a polite academic disagreement; it implies heat and resistance.

Meaning

Active dislike or opposition between people or groups.

Examples

• “There was clear antagonism between the two teams.”
• “Antagonism between the two departments stalled the shared timetable.”
• “The interview revealed antagonism, not a simple difference of method.”

Good to know

Active hostility. Adjective: antagonistic. Everyday: hostility / bad blood. Stronger than disagreement. Related: antagonist.

Near in meaning

hostility

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