1
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another
please name the novel's hero and his antagonist
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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
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Recent Examples of antagonist
Mackey is playing Jadis, also known as the White Witch, the antagonist of the series.
—
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 1 May 2026
Close is saddled with an overextended subplot as the film’s main human antagonist, who adds semi-stylish layers without much meaning.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026
If Mickelson was cast as the chief antagonist, Rory McIlroy emerged as the protagonist, the white knight extolling the virtues of the Tour and the golfing establishment.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
The cult of Santa Muerte could, of course, be said to be in the thrall of that fantasy, but the same could be said of the cult’s main antagonist, the Catholic Church, which has vociferously denounced the movement.
—Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 1 May 2026
Close is saddled with an overextended subplot as the film’s main human antagonist, who adds semi-stylish layers without much meaning.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026
If Mickelson was cast as the chief antagonist, Rory McIlroy emerged as the protagonist, the white knight extolling the virtues of the Tour and the golfing establishment.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
The cult of Santa Muerte could, of course, be said to be in the thrall of that fantasy, but the same could be said of the cult’s main antagonist, the Catholic Church, which has vociferously denounced the movement.
—Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
Noun
-
Trump has used the Justice Department to prosecute his political enemies.—
Peter Slevin,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Producers are not your enemies.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
When President John Quincy Adams accepted Bolívar’s invitation, his opponents pounced.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
While the group has 13 instances of holding opponents to one earned run or fewer — including five when asked to cover at least three innings — the bullpen also has given up five runs or more in seven of 24 league games.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
These two Central Division foes know each other well.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 May 2026
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Jones won a close battle with Avery Tibbs of downstate Washington and fellow DuPage Valley Conference foe Danyella Mporokoso of Waubonsie Valley to win the award, as voted on by coaches and media statewide.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
This is a matchup of longtime rivals in the old Garden Grove League.—
Steve Fryer,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
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Chimaev just wants his rival to make it to the cage.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Chinese sources familiar with the matter recently told CNN that Beijing cautiously views its adversary’s months-long conflict with Iran as having potentially strengthened its negotiating position.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
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As a result, economists have said these sanctions have eroded favorability toward the dollar from some of America’s adversaries.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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