antagonistic to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "antagonistic to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship or attitude that is hostile or opposed to something or someone. Example: "The new policy is antagonistic to the interests of small business owners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both are antagonistic to American interests.

The New York Times

They are positively antagonistic to it.

The New York Times - Books

But we're not antagonistic to the culture.

The New Yorker

"He was deeply hurt and antagonistic to the idea".

The New York Times

The group is strongly antagonistic to the media.

The New York Times - Tech

"There will be people who will perceive that to be antagonistic to their interests," he said.

The New York Times

Also, "This administration has been the most antagonistic to Israel in the history of this country".

The Guardian - Opinion

At the last count (Saturday 9.45am), there were 821 comments, overwhelmingly antagonistic to Moir's article.

The Guardian

But until it's complete, that process will exacerbate the very forces most antagonistic to the West.

The New York Times - Books

But the French had become antagonistic to the supremacy of ideas.

The New Yorker

Accountability journalism, of course, is both expensive and antagonistic to corporate brands.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "antagonistic to", ensure that the subject and object of the antagonism are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The policy is antagonistic", specify "The policy is antagonistic to small businesses".

Common error

Avoid using "antagonistic to" when a milder term like "unfavorable" or "unsupportive" would be more appropriate. "Antagonistic" implies a strong, active opposition, so reserve it for situations where the conflict is significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "antagonistic to" functions as a predicate adjective describing a subject's opposition or hostility towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "antagonistic to" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express opposition or hostility. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring that the intensity of the term aligns with the situation. Consider alternatives like "opposed to" or "hostile to" for nuanced expression. With a strong presence in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hostile toward

Replaces "to" with "toward", focusing on the direction of hostility.

opposed to

A more direct synonym, indicating a state of disagreement or resistance.

averse to

Suggests a feeling of strong dislike or reluctance.

inimical to

A more formal term implying harm or obstruction.

antipathetic to

Highlights a deep-seated feeling of aversion or dislike.

in opposition to

Emphasizes a state of being against something, often in a formal or organized manner.

against

A shorter, more direct way of expressing opposition.

unfavorable to

Indicates a lack of support or approval.

detrimental to

Focuses on the harmful effects of something.

conflicting with

Suggests a clash or incompatibility between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "antagonistic to" in a sentence?

You can use "antagonistic to" to describe something that is opposed to or hostile toward something else. For example, "The new regulations are "antagonistic to" the interests of small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "antagonistic to"?

Alternatives include "hostile to", "opposed to", or "averse to", depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate, "antagonistic to" or "antagonistic toward"?

Both "antagonistic to" and "antagonistic toward" are grammatically correct, but "antagonistic to" is generally more common and widely accepted.

What's the difference between "antagonistic to" and "indifferent to"?

"Antagonistic to" implies active opposition or hostility, while "indifferent to" suggests a lack of interest or concern. They are contrasting attitudes, not interchangeable.