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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of antagonist
Danny Boyle Says ’28 Years Later’ Is Not A Zombie Film
While those who have the Rage Virus in 28 Years Later have zombie-like qualities, Danny Boyle insisted in an interview with TIME Magazine before the film’s release in theaters that the antagonists are not zombies.
—
Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
In other words, Tamar, Milad, Marjan, and their allies care deeply about the Iranian people, while Kamali, the general, and the other antagonists defend the Iranian regime.
—Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
Mystique kidnaps a senator Senator Robert Kelly (Bruce Davison) is the main political antagonist in X-Men, hell-bent on passing that draconian mutant registration bill.
—ArsTechnica, 20 July 2025
Cillian Murphy played the antagonist Dr. Jonathan Crane (aka Scarecrow) in Christopher Nolan's take on the Batman franchise in Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
—Sara Belcher, People.com, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
In other words, Tamar, Milad, Marjan, and their allies care deeply about the Iranian people, while Kamali, the general, and the other antagonists defend the Iranian regime.
—Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
Mystique kidnaps a senator Senator Robert Kelly (Bruce Davison) is the main political antagonist in X-Men, hell-bent on passing that draconian mutant registration bill.
—ArsTechnica, 20 July 2025
Cillian Murphy played the antagonist Dr. Jonathan Crane (aka Scarecrow) in Christopher Nolan's take on the Batman franchise in Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
—Sara Belcher, People.com, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
Noun
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Citizens are trained to report anyone who might be an enemy of the regime, including family members.—
Paul Tilsley,
FOXNews.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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Our theme this year was the enemy within for the writers’ room.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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As the other undefeated team, Canada outscored its three opponents 19-4, but had to rely on some third-period outbursts to run up those offensive numbers.—
Carol Schram,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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On the ball, Maresca’s preference is for his side to build with short passes from his goalkeeper, often with the aim of baiting opponents into a press that creates space higher up the pitch.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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But Birmingham are expected to be one of the clubs in contention for a play-offs spot, perhaps alongside former League One foes Wrexham.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Wednesday returns to the Gothic halls of Nevermore Academy, where fresh foes and woes await.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The retailer, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a federal court in Delaware Wednesday, has been dealing with several problems in recent years including competition from online rivals, mounting debt and the uncertainty from tariffs.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
6 Aug. 2025
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The arrangement will give Disney more heft at the negotiating table with distributors and new firepower in its effort to outmaneuver streaming rivals.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Her concern is less about keeping pace with an adversary, more about shaping a collaborator.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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While the base offers the security needed for such a summit, there are concerns over the optics of the head of state of an American adversary, visiting a U.S. military base.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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