1
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another
please name the novel's hero and his antagonist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opponent
one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict
his antagonist in the boxing match
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of antagonist
In light of a scheduling update announced Friday, the big reach of ABC will supplement ESPN’s deliveries on a half-dozen additional nights, including the Oct. 14 Buffalo Bills-New York Jets showdown and a Nov. 4 meeting between Super Bowl LV antagonists Kansas City and Tampa Bay.
—
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Oct. 2024
The film’s protagonists and antagonists dialogue and monologue about their dreams and torments, and the filmmakers portray them not as dangerous patients but as individuals with unique inner lives.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 9 Oct. 2024
Mario antagonist Bowser arrives on the screen, and the clock gets louder, the sounds no longer soothing.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024
The filmmaker discussed collaborating with the 21 Jump Street actor to shape his layered antagonist with EW.
—EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for antagonist 
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Oct. 2024
The film’s protagonists and antagonists dialogue and monologue about their dreams and torments, and the filmmakers portray them not as dangerous patients but as individuals with unique inner lives.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 9 Oct. 2024
Mario antagonist Bowser arrives on the screen, and the clock gets louder, the sounds no longer soothing.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024
The filmmaker discussed collaborating with the 21 Jump Street actor to shape his layered antagonist with EW.
—EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
Noun
-
Our job is to give readers an independent, verifiable account of what’s happening, even if the president is calling us enemies of the people or bloodsuckers.Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 6 Nov. 2024
-
Loos uses a specific enemy, the Aeshi Nero, as a prime example of what the team is going for.Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
New York is second in pass defense, 10th in scoring defense and fourth in opponents’ average yards per play.Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
-
In fact, in right-leaning Douglas County, an equal number of voters picked her opponent Trisha Calvarese.Krista Kafer, The Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Friends, allies and foes The feeling of anticipation is palpable in Washington’s great rival, Beijing.Alexander Smith, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024
-
The 2024 election is heading for a photo finish, and Democrats believe their foes just gave them a critical leg up.Andrew Solender, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
-
Before the bye week, Cal delivered its most complete performance of the season, a 44-7 non-conference rout of former Pac-12 rival Oregon State.Jeff Faraudo, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
-
Several of them pointed to his lack of follow-through on jailing his 2016 rival Hillary Clinton, while others say his ultimate retribution would be a successful term in office with a solid economy.William Gavin, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
And, just as significantly, this argument de-emphasizes the possibility of collaborating with adversaries on limiting military AI systems, favoring arms race over arms control.Nir Eisikovits, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
-
The United States was open for business to its adversaries, without reciprocation.Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near antagonist
Cite this Entry
“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share