What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
antagonistic
Example
He had an antagonistic attitude towards his coworkers, always trying to undermine their efforts. [antagonistic: adjective]
Example
The two teams had an antagonistic relationship, constantly competing against each other. [antagonistic: adjective]
hostile
Example
The customer became hostile when the cashier made a mistake with their order. [hostile: adjective]
Example
The region was known for its hostile climate, making it difficult for plants and animals to survive. [hostile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hostile is more commonly used than antagonistic in everyday language. Hostile is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe aggressive or harmful behavior, while antagonistic is less common and often used in specific situations involving conflicts or disagreements.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between antagonistic and hostile?
Both antagonistic and hostile can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, antagonistic may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its specific usage in certain contexts involving conflicts or disagreements.
