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 Van Exel proved to be an antagonist against the Sacramento Kings in the 2003 Western Conference Semifinals. — David Caraccio updated July 31, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026 Gómez González had been known as a vociferous antagonist of loggers. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 Broadly speaking, these kinds of stories — powered by a stop-them-before-they-kill-again clock, making their antagonists out to be finicky geniuses or horror movie monsters instead of opportunistic mediocrities — strike me as a low form of fiction. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026 The driving force behind the film’s antagonist, Seo Young-chul (Koo Kyo-hwan), is his belief that imperfect communication is the source of all tragedy. — Rachael Jung, Variety, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
  1. enemy
  2. opponent
  3. foe
  4. rival
  5. adversary
Noun
  • Friday is here and that means all you Competitive Wordle players, playing against your friends, co-workers, rivals, enemies, or against me or the Wordle Bot, must double your points, whether positive or negative.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Months turned into years, and on August 6, 1945, Kakita and his brother heard of an enemy aircraft sighting.
    — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of enemy
Noun
  • Some opponents of the merger have argued that the deal will effectively consolidate all of March Madness under one corporate umbrella and ultimately harm competition for college sports rights.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Their assertions come on the heels of Class 6A Thomas County Central’s historic season in which the Yellow Jackets averaged nearly 54 points per game and beat every opponent by 14 or more on the way to a 15-0 season.
    — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of opponent
Noun
  • Worrell’s frequent foe, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, bashed her over Rundell’s past on social media, suggesting dropped cases previously left the teen free to commit murder this summer.
    — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, friends and foes alike were reminded that allies of the United States cannot be certain that their interests will be protected during a war or that Washington will even consult with them before deciding to use force.
    — KORI SCHAKE, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of foe
Noun
  • The tit-for-tat brings up echoes of last year, when the rivals were locked in a blistering trade war.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Friday is here and that means all you Competitive Wordle players, playing against your friends, co-workers, rivals, enemies, or against me or the Wordle Bot, must double your points, whether positive or negative.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of rival
Noun
  • Also in the parade ranks were new uncrewed submersible vehicles – underwater drones, stealthy in their own right, that could pose a threat to any of Beijing’s adversaries.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • There is nothing to do with a warning about foreign adversaries except go quiet, which is the point of making it.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of adversary

Browse Nearby Words

antagonism
antagonist
antagonistic
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Cite this Entry

“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 10 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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