antagonistic

Opposing in combat, combating; contending or acting against; as, antagonistic forces. -- An·tag·o·nis·tic·al·ly, adv.

They were distinct, adverse, even antagonistic.

adjective

Acting against or in opposition: adversarial, adverse, antipathetic, opposed, opposing, oppositional. See support/oppose.

The adjective has 5 meanings:

Meaning #1: indicating opposition or resistance
  Synonym: counter

Meaning #2: characterized by antagonism or antipathy
  Synonyms: antipathetic, antipathetical

Meaning #3: arousing animosity or hostility
  Synonyms: antagonizing, antagonising

Meaning #4: used especially of drugs or muscles that counteract or neutralize each other's effect
  Synonym: incompatible
  Antonym: synergistic (meaning #1)

Meaning #5: incapable of harmonious association