"Take the sting out of" is a phrase commonly used to describe the act of lessening the impact or severity of a situation. However, there are several antonyms of this phrase that have opposite or conflicting meanings. These include aggravate, worsen, exacerbate, intensify, and magnify. Instead of taking the sting out of a situation, these antonyms can make it worse or even unbearable. It's important to be mindful of the words we use and their potential effects, especially in situations where individuals may be in distress. Therefore, it may be more helpful to find alternative ways to offer comfort and support rather than exacerbating a situation.