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

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

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 The latest opus, Far Cry 6, which featured Giancarlo Esposito as the antagonist, Antón, was released on October 6, 2021. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 June 2026 With Minnesota having won all eight meetings against the Valkyries, Williams arriving as the night’s antagonist felt less like a storyline and more like a natural conclusion. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 20 June 2026 Lee stars as the ultimate antagonist to the toys — a smart tablet. — Emma Urdangen, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 All of which makes Toy Story 5’s proposition that high-tech new additions, like proto-tablet antagonist Lilypad (Greta Lee), can also talk, think, and move around on their own downright maddening. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
  1. enemy
  2. opponent
  3. foe
  4. rival
  5. adversary
Noun
  • David is a hunted outlaw, forced to hide among his enemies and live yet another dangerous lie.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2026
  • Underwood and Shires shook the long, forceful handshake of bitter enemies.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Definition of enemy
Noun
  • Ronaldo’s elbow looked far more intentional, and egregious, than Balogun’s play that happened in the context of a player battling for a ball against an opponent with his foot.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • Other opponents include Planned Parenthood, the California School Boards Assn.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of opponent
Noun
  • The millions of mourners at the funeral of the Iranian leader Ayatollah ‌Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the war, may have put pressure on the regime to show resolve against the nation’s long-standing foes.
    — Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • One of the most high-profile and controversial figures in British politics, Farage has had an outsized effect as a champion of leaving the European Union and foe of large-scale immigration.
    — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of foe
Noun
  • Santos is an intelligent player with lots of potential, and United nabbing him from a ‘Big Six’ rival would be the sort of clever deal that can keep them agile and competitive elsewhere in the summer transfer market.
    — Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 July 2026
  • The Packers then blew a 21-3 halftime lead in the Wild Card round against Chicago, gave up 25 fourth quarter points and eventually suffered a shocking 31-27 loss to the arch-rival Bears.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of rival
Noun
  • Do the operators on the floor view the technology as an ally or an adversary?
    — Steven Singer, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Since then, the government has imprisoned adversaries, religious leaders, journalists and others, forcing thousands to flee the country.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
Definition of adversary

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antagonism
antagonist
antagonistic
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Cite this Entry

“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on antagonist

Nglish: Translation of antagonist for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antagonist

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