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

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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 Florence Pugh leads the cast of the series as Cathy Ames, the matriarch of the Trask family and a Devil figure in the novel who serves as its principal antagonist. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026 Companion legislation would require school districts, public libraries, and other educational institutions statewide to stock opioid antagonists onsite. — Nathalia Fernandez, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026 The antagonist of the new Toy Story film is a tablet, whose addictive presence distracts the toys’ young owner from unstructured, creative play. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026 The Whisper Man director James Ashcroft explains the motivations of the film’s serial killer antagonist. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
  1. enemy
  2. opponent
  3. foe
  4. rival
  5. adversary
Noun
  • They can be seen as the external expression of an aspect of America our true-believing enemies have learned to hate and fear.
    — Robert Stone, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Heath Ledger’s Joker is an enemy who doesn’t play by the rules, attacking the city with no clear political goal beyond creating panic and chaos.
    — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of enemy
Noun
  • Plenty of the ball, xG more than twice that of their opponents but no shots on target.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • This opponent has some very good athletes to challenge the Warriors.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of opponent
Noun
  • Now first-year head coach Joe Brady will make his debut in a locale where Allen never has won and against a hungry foe.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The 49ers and Rams had different travel plans to Australia, but the game is still a matchup between two familiar foes.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of foe
Noun
  • After rolling over their division rivals, the plan for the flight back was more simple.
    — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The eighth edition of the Sunset Showdown lasted long after the sun went down — about four hours and 10 minutes later — before host Palisades prevailed 56-50 over crosstown rival Brentwood in four overtimes.
    — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of rival
Noun
  • Another recent survey found roughly one in five Americans endorse harassment, doxxing, or even violence against their political adversaries.
    — Joe Daniels, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Such skills are a key priority of national governments, which want to service and upgrade their own satellites — and keep tabs on the activities of adversary craft.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of adversary

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antagonist
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Cite this Entry

“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on antagonist

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antagonist

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