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
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Recent Examples of antagonist
Texas Tech morphing from plucky underdog to college football antagonist in less than a season is exactly what the sport needs.
—
Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026
In the film, the toys will face a new antagonist played by Greta Lee -- Lilypad, a smart tablet toy that challenges the norms of playtime in an increasingly virtual world.
—Mason Leath, ABC News, 12 June 2026
Alongside the songstress, other attendees included main cast Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack and Greta Lee, who voices main antagonist Lilypad in the film.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 9 June 2026
Leto has a long history of portraying antagonists.
—Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026
In the film, the toys will face a new antagonist played by Greta Lee -- Lilypad, a smart tablet toy that challenges the norms of playtime in an increasingly virtual world.
—Mason Leath, ABC News, 12 June 2026
Alongside the songstress, other attendees included main cast Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack and Greta Lee, who voices main antagonist Lilypad in the film.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 9 June 2026
Leto has a long history of portraying antagonists.
—Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
Noun
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However, this distinction did more than pit pious Americans against an atheist enemy.—
David Williamson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
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Dassault’s Mirage fighter – and more recently the Rafale – can creep into enemy airspace, dogfight, drop bombs and launch cruise missiles.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
Noun
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Villanova would toss the Owls aside by 20 for its 22nd consecutive win against their Philly opponents, a walkover victory that barely moved the needle anywhere outside of the city limits.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
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With opponents as varied as Morocco, Haiti and Scotland to face in the group stage alone, Clement expects this World Cup to throw up different challenges from a coaching and tactical perspective.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
Noun
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The demonstration, which had been previously organized by a hodgepodge of activist groups after weeks of negotiations with local authorities, was otherwise peaceful — with environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, supporters of Palestinians and foes of imperialism, fascism and capitalism.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
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But in the meantime, the team has gotten an update on a familiar face courtesy of their long-time regional foe.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Noun
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But Republican rival Steve Hilton slammed the group for political opportunism.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
20 June 2026
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The idea is that even rivals can find common ground over a beverage.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
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The project, written by Oliver Draiv, explores the origins of Sherlock Holmes’ greatest adversary against the backdrop of modern-day Turin.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
18 June 2026
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One of the project’s most significant adversaries is the city of Sacramento — while the area is not under their governance, city officials argue the development would violate a decades-old habitat conservation agreement with the county.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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