1
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another
please name the novel's hero and his antagonist
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of antagonist
Higuchi notes that the social climate in Japan has changed drastically in the past 50 years, leading the creative team to reconsider who would be the film’s antagonist in contemporary Japan.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Apr. 2025
China and Russia, in turn, served as the primary antagonists.
—Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Adding to the intriguing angles of this latest superhero flick is the addition of the psychologically fractured antagonist known as The Sentry and his dark reflection, The Void.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2025
There are plenty of superhero properties out there that fall into the trap of having their antagonists do something heinous to prove that their otherwise just reasons are a sham, but surely in this case, if Maximus (Iwan Rheon) hadn’t staged a coup, another of the Inhuman subjects would’ve.
23.
—Nola Pfau, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Apr. 2025
China and Russia, in turn, served as the primary antagonists.
—Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Adding to the intriguing angles of this latest superhero flick is the addition of the psychologically fractured antagonist known as The Sentry and his dark reflection, The Void.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2025
There are plenty of superhero properties out there that fall into the trap of having their antagonists do something heinous to prove that their otherwise just reasons are a sham, but surely in this case, if Maximus (Iwan Rheon) hadn’t staged a coup, another of the Inhuman subjects would’ve.
23.
—Nola Pfau, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
Noun
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Coming from an impoverished family, Ding eagerly took part in public humiliation rallies against teachers, intellectuals, government officials and others labeled as enemies of Mao’s vision.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
12 May 2025
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Asking everyone else to leave, the two enemies have a private conversation that finally gets Faye out of Specter Litt Williams for good.—
Tanya Melendez,
EW.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Madrid’s lack of defensive intensity means their opponents can progress upfield with little fear at times, knowing that Ancelotti’s forward line does not provide their team-mates the protection that comes with pressing from the front.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
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This approach will disarm an opponent’s ability to double-team and pack the paint while also providing the Sky more varied scoring options.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
Noun
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From foe to friend: the Los Angeles Kings have hired Ken Holland as their new general manager.—
Carol Schram,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
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Find out if ants are friends or foes to your peonies, plus how to remove them before bringing cut peony flowers indoors.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 May 2025
Noun
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If Boasberg buys Meta's argument that TikTok is actually Meta's biggest rival—and not Snap or MeWe—Meta could have an easier time shutting down the case.—
Ashley Belanger – May 16,
ArsTechnica,
16 May 2025
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That was the worry among some of the Los Angeles Kings’ faithful – and a source of joy among fans of their rivals – as Holland was introduced as the Kings’ general manager on Thursday.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Noun
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That doesn’t bode well for the thousands of American businesses that are currently paralyzed by Trump’s 145% tariffs on most imports from China, an adversary that’s not so charmed by the president’s 11th-hour shenanigans and is America’s third-largest trading partner.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
9 May 2025
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America’s adversaries want secrets and are good at uncovering them.—
Anna Mulrine Grobe,
Christian Science Monitor,
8 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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