antagonist

noun

an-ˈta-gə-nist How to pronounce antagonist (audio)
Definition of antagonistnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 Local fisherman Wyck Crawford, played by a delightfully rascally Stephen Root, serves as Loftis’ human antagonist, warning the mayor of impending doom. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026 The movie features his ninja clan creation The Hand as one of Spidey’s antagonists. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026 Now, IndieWire can exclusively share the poster for the studio’s first new film since 2019, which features an eye-catching image of the main character Prue and the film’s mysterious main antagonist, Alexandra. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026 Flash Thompson Not to be confused with DC Comics superhero The Flash, Flash Thompson often acts as an antagonist to Peter Parker in the Spider-Man movies. — Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
  1. enemy
  2. opponent
  3. foe
  4. rival
  5. adversary
Noun
  • The Dodgers are baseball's enemy because their ownership group has shown a willingness to win, and their front office is smart enough to do so.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Likewise, battlefield commanders often need urgent response plans to enemy attacks, something AI can help with.
    — Emelia S. Probasco, Foreign Affairs, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of enemy
Noun
  • Only Middlesbrough made their regains higher upfield, on average, and Coventry caught opponents offside 136 times last campaign — the most since Barnsley (144) and Bournemouth (143) four seasons ago.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Schedule Outlook The path to another major leap in 2026 is there for FIU, but the Panthers will have to navigate a schedule that features several competent Conference USA opponents.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of opponent
Noun
  • Yet the answers remain evasive enough that Golden State coach Natalie Nakase charges herself with the blame for not yet finding new answers for this foe.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The raucous home environment at Doak on a Monday night is often tough for road foes to overcome.
    — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of foe
Noun
  • Apple Music plans to tell you when a song is AI-generated by adding a new label next to tracks, using a different disclosure method than its biggest streaming rival, Spotify.
    — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, the two rivals separately offered a preview of their pitches to win over both urban Kansas City and rural Pettis County.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of rival
Noun
  • As capabilities that once required highly skilled adversaries become increasingly accessible, strengthening cybersecurity has become an even greater strategic priority.
    — Fran Rosch, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The president’s former fixer turned primary adversary—and unlikely liberal resistance icon—had been the prosecution’s star witness in the Manhattan criminal trial just months prior.
    — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of adversary

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antagonist
antagonistic
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Cite this Entry

“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on antagonist

Nglish: Translation of antagonist for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antagonist

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