2,2-Dialkyl- 4-aryl-substituted benzopyran and benzothiopyran derivatives of formula (I) where the symbols have the meaning described in the specification, have retinoid negative hormone and/or antagonist-like biological activities. The invented RAR antagonists can be administered to mammals, including humans, for the purpose of preventing or diminishing action or RAR agonists on the bound receptor sites. Specifically, the RAR agonists are administered or coadministered with retinoid drugs to prevent or ameliorate toxicity or side effects caused by retinoids or vitamin A or vitamin A precursors. The retinoid negative hormones can be used to potentiate the activities of other retinoids and nuclear receptor agonists.