antisocial

adjective

an·​ti·​so·​cial ˌan-tē-ˈsō-shəl How to pronounce antisocial (audio) ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antisocial (audio)
Synonyms of antisocial
1
: averse to the society of others : unsociable
2
: hostile or harmful to organized society
especially : being or marked by behavior deviating sharply from the social norm
3
psychology : of, relating to, or characteristic of antisocial personality disorder
Although community placement before discharge reduces subsequent antisocial behavior, most have apparently required outpatient mental health services indefinitely …—Nathaniel S. Lehrman
antisocially
ˌan-tē-ˈsō-shə-lē, 
ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antisocial (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of antisocial

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Examples of antisocial in a Sentence

She's not being antisocial; she's just shy at parties. she's not antisocial, just extremely shy
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Contrary to popular belief, reading—our favorite thing in the world—needn’t be antisocial. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026 Sources previously told Rolling Stone that Nick Reiner attended the party with his parents and appeared to exhibit antisocial behavior. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026 Authorities in England consider antisocial driving to include causing unnecessary noise pollution, street racing and cruising in a convoy, among other types of public nuisance. — Duarte Dias, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 Research studies have shown that children of incarcerated parents are more likely to experience mental health challenges and develop antisocial behaviors. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for antisocial

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of antisocial was in 1759

Phrases Containing antisocial

Rhymes for antisocial

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Browse Nearby Words

anti-snob
antisocial
anti-socialist
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Cite this Entry

“Antisocial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antisocial. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

antisocial

adjective
an·​ti·​so·​cial ˌant-i-ˈsō-shəl How to pronounce antisocial (audio)
ˌan-ˌtī-
1
: unfriendly sense 1
2
: being against or bad for society
especially : being or exhibiting behavior that is very different from accepted behavior

Medical Definition

antisocial

adjective
an·​ti·​so·​cial -ˈsō-shəl How to pronounce antisocial (audio)
: hostile or harmful to organized society: as
a
: being or marked by behavior deviating sharply from the social norm
b
: of, relating to, or characterized by an antisocial personality, the antisocial personality disorder, or behavior typical of either

More from Merriam-Webster on antisocial

Nglish: Translation of antisocial for Spanish Speakers

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