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 Iran could also intensify its attacks on its direct antagonists. — Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026 But of course where there’s one rat, there are usually more, and swarms of rats and an angry sea soon become the man’s antagonists. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026 However, the true antagonist of Forgotten Island is encroaching adulthood. — Parents, 25 Sep. 2026 Crowe, watching from behind one-way glass and turning up in encounters beyond the confines of the study itself, gives that intensity a perfectly legible antagonist, if not always a valid one. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
  1. enemy
  2. opponent
  3. foe
  4. rival
  5. adversary
Noun
  • Slota’s online footprint shows a history of endorsing violence against political enemies, training with firearms, and inviting other leftists to prepare for possible armed conflict before his arrest, a Washington Examiner review found.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Dexter will also battle a new, unexpected enemy — a mid-life crisis — as Harrison (Alcott) continues his own pursuit of justice as father and son face their darkest chapter yet.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of enemy
Noun
  • The new, bipartisan legislation to expedite the construction of energy projects—and power the AI boom—is creating strange bedfellows and opponents.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • After opening the season with a four game road trip — each game the first on home ice for their opponents — the Panthers fell 4-1 to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday in their first game of the 2026-27 season at Amerant Bank Arena.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of opponent
Noun
  • Familiar foes The Dodgers and Brewers are meeting in the postseason for the fourth time — all since 2018.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • With a 4-3 loss in Game 3 of the 2026 ALDS, the Yankees’ season ended with an AL East foe partying at their place once again on Wednesday.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of foe
Noun
  • As with other aspects of the company, Lauder is continually forging new ways of working to increase speed-to-market and give it a competitive edge over rivals.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Mayor Johnson has attracted criticism from his 2027 rivals for not distancing himself from Dominguez.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of rival
Noun
  • Together, they are designed to detect signals, analyze their characteristics, and generate electronic effects to interfere with adversary communications.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Some commentators have argued that the bombings and multiple ceasefires actually strengthen American credibility by demonstrating American deterrence capabilities and resolve toward adversaries.
    — Christopher Nichols, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of adversary

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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 12 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on antagonist

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antagonist

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