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
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Recent Examples of antagonist
With Minnesota having won all eight meetings against the Valkyries, Williams arriving as the night’s antagonist felt less like a storyline and more like a natural conclusion.
—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
All of which makes Toy Story 5’s proposition that high-tech new additions, like proto-tablet antagonist Lilypad (Greta Lee), can also talk, think, and move around on their own downright maddening.
—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
18 June 2026
The movie, which reunites the gang in a battle against an iPad-like antagonist named Lilypad, has a strong premise, and its dynamic, watercolor-style rendering of playtime is a big step forward animation-wise.
—
Jacob Stern,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
Beyond harsher criticism, sports media frames Black athletes differently — often naming them as villains, failures, antagonists or questioning their leadership when necessary.
—
Brielle Miller,
Baltimore Sun,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
All of which makes Toy Story 5’s proposition that high-tech new additions, like proto-tablet antagonist Lilypad (Greta Lee), can also talk, think, and move around on their own downright maddening.
—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
18 June 2026
The movie, which reunites the gang in a battle against an iPad-like antagonist named Lilypad, has a strong premise, and its dynamic, watercolor-style rendering of playtime is a big step forward animation-wise.
—
Jacob Stern,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
Beyond harsher criticism, sports media frames Black athletes differently — often naming them as villains, failures, antagonists or questioning their leadership when necessary.
—
Brielle Miller,
Baltimore Sun,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
Noun
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His death in an enemy attack plays into a powerful Shi'ite tradition of martyrdom and mourning, in which processions of flagellants beat their chests or backs.
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The day for battle is near, many of our enemies are arming themselves.
Noun
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The program posed a massive political problem for Mamdani, who’s been criticized by both his allies and opponents for his stance.
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Other opponents generally feel compelled to drop an extra player into the back line, forming a back five against Japan’s front five — as the Netherlands did, with Frenkie de Jong dropping in from midfield.
Noun
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Unrestricted free agents Marcus Smart, 32, and Luke Kennard, 30, agreed to deals with Western Conference foes.
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There is so much evil and suffering in the world, so much conniving and malicious intent, and the self is, at least, a familiar foe.
Noun
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The South American rivals may just end up facing each other in a week.
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Adding another defender became even more important after guard Marcus Smart signed with Western Conference rival Houston.
Noun
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Once Puma reached space as well, the vehicles were tasked with rapid acquisition, rendezvousing and assessment operations to simulate the interception and characterization of potential adversary spacecraft.
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After losing their cattle to disease, the two joined fellow rancher Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening), initially a major adversary, and her 10 Petal Ranch.
Cite this Entry
“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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