antagonistic crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles! Here you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "antagonistic crossword clue" to help you complete your grid with ease.
Solutions for "antagonistic crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
RIVAL: A person or thing competing with another for the same objective or for superiority.
ENEMY: A person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.
7 Letters
OPPOSED: Being in conflict or disagreement with something or someone.
HOSTILE: Showing strong opposition or dislike; unfriendly.
ADVERSE: Unfavorable, preventing success or development; acting against or in a contrary direction.
8 Letters
CONTRARY: Opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.
9 Letters
COMBATIVE: Ready or eager to fight; aggressively self-assertive.
More About "antagonistic crossword clue"
The term "antagonistic" originates from the Greek word "antagonistēs", meaning "opponent" or "rival". In a general sense, it describes a person or thing that is hostile, unfriendly, or in opposition to something else. When you encounter this clue in a crossword, the puzzle setter is looking for a word that conveys conflict, resistance, or an opposing force.
Understanding the nuances of "antagonistic" is key. It can refer to active hostility (like a "hostile" environment or a "combative" person), or simply a state of being against something (like "adverse" conditions or "contrary" opinions). The correct answer will often depend on the specific context provided by the crossword grid and any intersecting words.
Common themes for "antagonistic" answers revolve around conflict, competition, and opposition. Always consider if the clue is looking for a noun (e.g., RIVAL, ENEMY) or an adjective (e.g., HOSTILE, OPPOSED, ADVERSE), as this will significantly narrow down the possibilities. The length of the word is, of course, your primary guide.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always start by counting the available spaces in the crossword grid. This is the most crucial piece of information for "antagonistic" and any other clue.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: "Antagonistic" often requires a synonym. Think about words that mean "opposing," "hostile," or "contrary." Sometimes, if the clue is phrased negatively, an antonym might be subtly implied (though less common for this specific clue).
- Check for Contextual Clues: Look at the entire clue. Is it asking for an adjective describing a person, a noun for a competitor, or something else entirely? For instance, "Antagonistic relationship" might point to words like "ADVERSE."
- Use Crossing Letters: The letters you've already filled in from intersecting words are invaluable. They will either confirm your potential answer or rule it out entirely, helping you pinpoint the exact solution.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'antagonistic' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'antagonistic' refers to something or someone showing hostility, opposition, or being in conflict. Common answers are synonyms like 'OPPOSED', 'HOSTILE', 'ADVERSE', or 'RIVAL', depending on the letter count and other crossing clues.
How can I find synonyms for 'antagonistic' quickly?
To find synonyms quickly, consider using an online thesaurus or dictionary. Many crossword solver websites also provide synonym lists for specific clues, allowing you to filter by letter length or common usage in puzzles.
Are there common tricks for 'antagonistic' clues?
For 'antagonistic' clues, always consider the exact letter count. Also, pay attention to the specific context of the clue; sometimes 'antagonistic' might refer to a person, a force, or an idea, which can narrow down the potential synonyms. Look for prefixes like 'anti-' or words that inherently imply opposition.