fierce antagonism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fierce antagonism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong and intense opposition or hostility between individuals or groups. Example: "The fierce antagonism between the two rival factions led to a prolonged conflict that affected the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Cambodia's sense of inferiority has given rise to fierce antagonism toward its more successful neighbors -- and historical rivals -- Thailand and Vietnam.

The New York Times

The paper's Op-Ed commentaries, grouped under a link called Articles, reflect sentiments ranging from generous sympathy to fierce antagonism toward the United States.

The New York Times - Tech

As we embark on health reform, we are entering a debate that will inevitably fuel fierce antagonism over questions of public versus private coverage, how to contain health costs, and taxes.

The New Yorker

The fierce antagonism of newspaper critics towards Kitaj's recent late retrospective – in contrast to the response of an admiring public – made for a stressful last summer for a woman who will be remembered by many for her almost saintly happiness".

The Guardian - Arts

There was a ban at the time on the open practice of Catholic rites and, during Rembrandt's Leiden years, a fierce antagonism between the Remonstrant and Contra-Remonstrant communities (the issue being the Calvinist doctrine of predestination).

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, he didn't seem to factor in the fierce antagonism that Microsoft still sparks in Silicon Valley, particularly among industry veterans including Yang and Google's chief executive, Eric Schmidt.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Because of the fierce personal antagonism at the convention, it was dubbed as the "national convention at Dolkesjø derived from dolk, the Norwegian word for dagger.

Wikipedia

The confusing exchange appeared to be less about semantics and more about a press adviser's efforts to downplay the Islamic nature of a project that has attracted, rightly or wrongly, fierce religious antagonism.

Huffington Post

He also attempted to sidestep the fierce sectional antagonisms of the domestic scene by ambitiously and aggressively promoting the extension of U.S. territorial and commercial interests abroad.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Former Sen. Pat Moynihan, a longtime C.I.A. critic, observed that Washington "was still worrying about intercontinental missiles when we had a wholly new set of threats, the fierce and unresolved Islamic antagonism over centuries of domination from the West".

The New York Times

"These and other antagonisms have engendered some fierce battles, but for Gursky they are all givens -- not opponents but companions".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fierce antagonism" to describe situations where the opposition is not only strong but also actively hostile and aggressive. It's suitable when the conflict is more than just a difference of opinion, but a deeply felt animosity.

Common error

Avoid using "fierce antagonism" to describe minor disagreements or differences of opinion. This phrase implies a high degree of animosity, so it's unsuitable for situations where the conflict is not particularly intense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fierce antagonism" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "fierce" modifies "antagonism". This phrase describes a state of intense hostility and opposition, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fierce antagonism" is a noun phrase used to describe a state of intense hostility or opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in describing situations characterized by strong disagreement and active hostility. While not overly common, it appears mainly in news and encyclopedia sources, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, be sure to reserve "fierce antagonism" for situations where the conflict goes beyond a simple difference of opinion and involves deep-seated animosity. Alternatives like "intense animosity" or "bitter rivalry" might be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense animosity

Focuses on deep-seated hatred and dislike.

acute hostility

Stresses the severity and sharpness of the unfriendly feelings.

bitter rivalry

Emphasizes competition and contention between rivals.

implacable enmity

Focuses on persistent and unforgiving hostility.

violent opposition

Highlights the potential for physical conflict or forceful resistance.

severe discord

Highlights the lack of harmony and serious disagreement.

ferocious resistance

Highlights determined and aggressive opposition.

deep-seated conflict

Implies a long-standing and profound disagreement.

outright aggression

Emphasizes open and direct hostile behavior.

extreme friction

Underscores the intensity of the disagreement and tension.

FAQs

How can "fierce antagonism" be used in a sentence?

You can use "fierce antagonism" to describe situations with strong and intense opposition. For example: "The fierce antagonism between the political parties made compromise impossible."

What's a good substitute for "fierce antagonism"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "fierce antagonism" include "intense animosity", "bitter rivalry", or "violent opposition".

Is "fierce antagonism" a formal or informal expression?

"Fierce antagonism" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's most common in news reports and analytical writing. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary than the phrase itself.

What kind of situations is "fierce antagonism" best suited for?

"Fierce antagonism" is best used to describe situations characterized by strong, active, and often aggressive opposition, going beyond mere disagreement to involve deeply felt hostility.