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
Creating a character which doesn’t physically exist but is the main antagonist, an untouchable, uncatchable antagonist, was incredibly difficult.
—
Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025
Both the show and video game received backlash for the brutal murder of lead character Joel (played on TV by Pedro Pascal) by new antagonist Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) early in the story and the portrayal of Ellie’s same-sex relationship with Dina (Isabela Merced).
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
Mary was Roy’s hero and her antagonist, her model and her foil; well known beyond her family, in the 1960s Mary founded a school that would go on to become one of the most prestigious in Kerala.
—Madeline Leung Coleman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
Babou Ceesay’s Morrow is a gripping antagonist.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025
Both the show and video game received backlash for the brutal murder of lead character Joel (played on TV by Pedro Pascal) by new antagonist Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) early in the story and the portrayal of Ellie’s same-sex relationship with Dina (Isabela Merced).
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
Mary was Roy’s hero and her antagonist, her model and her foil; well known beyond her family, in the 1960s Mary founded a school that would go on to become one of the most prestigious in Kerala.
—Madeline Leung Coleman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
Babou Ceesay’s Morrow is a gripping antagonist.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
Noun
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Under orders from General Erinmore (Colin Firth), the pair must traverse enemy lines to deliver a life-or-death message to Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch), halting an attack that would endanger more than 1,000 men.—
Emy LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
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The enemy terrorizes and kills our people across the country every day.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Through two games, the Ragin’ Cajuns have held opponents to an average of 12 points per game — a mark that’s tied for the best in the Sun Belt.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
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And if history continues to repeat itself, the Panthers will continue to look like first-half fodder to their opponents over the next several weeks.—
DIAMOND VENCES,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Green Bay went 1-5 against divisional foes in 2005, though, and Sherman was fired one day after the season ended.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
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All four of its losses came to Detroit and the Rams, a pair of excellent foes.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But the Packers dominated a team that’s become one of their biggest rivals in recent years.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Sinner and Alcaraz’s nominally closest rival is Djokovic, who reached the semifinals of all four majors this year, and did at least post that one victory against Alcaraz.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Nation-state adversaries, led by China, are actively pre-positioning within the operational technology (OT) systems that control manufacturing lines, power generation and industrial processes.—
Bob Ackerman,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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The biggest casualty, says Srivastava, will be the goodwill between India and the United States, built after decades of bitterness over Washington's support of India's adversaries like Pakistan.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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