Synonyms of antagonist

antagonist

noun

an-ˈta-gə-nist 

1

as in enemy

one that is hostile toward another

please name the novel's hero and his antagonist

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enemy
• opponent
• foe
• hostile
• adversary
• archenemy
• attacker
• rival
• nemesis
• competitor
• archfoe
• combatant
• invader
• assailant
• bête noire
• bane
• ill-wisher
• emulator

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• friend
• fellow
• buddy
• pal
• partner
• chum
• accomplice
• ally
• musketeer
• collaborator
• mate
• colleague
• compadre
• crony
• hearty
• comrade
• abettor
• adherent
• amigo
• friendly
• disciple
• benefactor
• hail-fellow
• sympathizer
• supporter
• hail-fellow-well-met
• follower
• hobnobber
• exponent
• confederate
• backer
• well-wisher

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

• opponent
• foe
• rival
• adversary
• competitor
• contestant
• enemy
• nemesis
• match
• archenemy
• attacker
• combatant
• assailant
• invader
• equal
• curse
• bane
• bête noire

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partner
• ally
• accomplice
• champion
• advocate
• supporter
• proponent
• confederate
• exponent
• sympathizer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of antagonist

As his recent roles suggest, he is better served performing the catalyst or the antagonist. — Henry Alford, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

OpenAI’s Sam Altman was seated within spitting distance of his longtime antagonist Elon Musk. — Julian Gewirtz, The New York Review of Books, 17 Oct. 2026

John Steinbeck wrote Cathy Ames, the antagonist of his novel East of Eden, as the embodiment of original sin, and in Zoe Kazan’s Netflix adaptation, Florence Pugh deftly channels the character’s ambition and cynicism. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

The antagonist isn't just a single person or entity, but an entire system designed to crush any life out of him, all for the entertainment of the masses. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026