antagonistically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "antagonistically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that are hostile, opposing, or in conflict with someone or something. Example: "The two teams played antagonistically, each trying to outdo the other at every turn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Furthermore, just as naturally occurring steroid hormones of differing biological activity (estrogens, androgens, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids) often act antagonistically, the many steroid analogs include a number of inhibitors of the natural hormones.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is thought that LSD, as well as psilocybin, psilocin, bufotenine, and harmine, act antagonistically toward serotonin, an important brain amine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The opposition develops into sects, which are comparatively small groups that strive for unmediated salvation and that are related indifferently or antagonistically to the world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Russia, India and Brazil will be responding to China, both cooperatively and antagonistically, much more than they will coordinate with it.

The New York Times

What have you learned about doing business in those neighborhoods? A. When we open a restaurant and are interviewing, we will have guys show up with their pants hanging below their crotch, their hat on sideways, answering our questions antagonistically.

The New York Times

Steps were wrenched from twisting, angling bodies in Mr. Arqués's "Consequence" and Mr. Simons's "Nature of Difference"; anguish, angst and hyperactive neurosis predominated in Mr. Lightfoot and Ms. León's "Short Time Together"; dancers ducked, twisted and tangled antagonistically in Mr. Pastor's "Chapters"; an apocalyptic world of smoke and fire permeated Mr. Dawson's "Day 4".

The New York Times - Arts

If only antagonistically.

The New York Times

This religious flavour, coupled with the great economy of her prose, and a tendency to focus on two characters inextricably and antagonistically tied to one another, might have made parables of her stories.

The Guardian - Books

Voices and instruments pattern – antagonistically, tentatively, melodically, with pizzicato fizz, developing fragile, shifting interdependencies within solitude.

The Guardian

It took 54 years for South Carolina to realize that flying the Confederate flag over its state house was antagonistically tone-deaf at best and, at worst, aggressively spiteful of the history of slavery and systemic racism in the state.

The Guardian - Opinion

That absolutely does not mean that the "us" and the "them" have to be antagonistically related.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "antagonistically" to precisely describe actions performed with active hostility or opposition. It's stronger than simply saying 'negatively' or 'unfavorably'.

Common error

Avoid using "antagonistically" when a milder term like 'competitively' or 'critically' would be more accurate. "Antagonistically" implies a significant level of animosity.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "antagonistically" modifies verbs, adverbs, or adjectives to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that the action is carried out with active opposition or hostility, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

17%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "antagonistically" is an adverb that describes actions carried out with active hostility or opposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in formal and news contexts. It's essential to use this term precisely, recognizing its strong connotation of animosity. Alternatives like "hostilely" or "combatively" can be used to convey similar meanings, but the choice depends on the specific nuance required. This guide provides insights into best practices, common errors, and contextual usage to enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a hostile manner

This alternative replaces the adverb with a prepositional phrase, emphasizing the hostile nature of the action.

in an opposing way

This option highlights the act of opposing, using a more direct and less nuanced phrase.

with animosity

This uses a noun to describe the feeling behind the action, conveying a sense of deep-seated dislike.

belligerently

This single word replacement suggests a readiness to fight or argue.

combatively

This suggests a readiness to engage in combat, either physical or verbal.

confrontationally

This alternative emphasizes the directness and aggressiveness of the opposition.

rivalrously

This suggests a competitive opposition, where individuals or groups are vying for the same goal.

at odds

This idiom indicates a state of disagreement or conflict.

in conflict

This phrase directly states the presence of a clash or disagreement.

with antagonism

This uses a noun phrase to describe the hostile opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "antagonistically" in a sentence?

You can use "antagonistically" to describe actions performed in a hostile or opposing manner. For example, 'The lawyers presented their cases "antagonistically", each trying to undermine the other's arguments'.

What are some alternatives to "antagonistically"?

Alternatives include "hostilely", "belligerently", or "combatively", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "antagonistically" a formal word?

"Antagonistically" is a relatively formal word. While appropriate for academic or professional writing, simpler terms might be preferred in casual conversation.

What does it mean to act "antagonistically"?

To act "antagonistically" means to behave in a way that shows active opposition or hostility towards someone or something. It implies a deliberate attempt to undermine or counteract.