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
With its single Xenomorph antagonist, its cramped environment, and its fairly helpless cast of characters, a video-game adaptation sounds like an exercise in pure dourness.
—
Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Really, there’s only one character onstage who commands an audience’s attention, and that’s Hines’ gum-smacking sister-in-law, who turns from antagonist to supporter.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
Viel played his usual role of antagonist well.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
There are several films that have a very similar sort of antagonist like Buffalo Bill.
—Marley Gotterer, Them., 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Really, there’s only one character onstage who commands an audience’s attention, and that’s Hines’ gum-smacking sister-in-law, who turns from antagonist to supporter.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
Viel played his usual role of antagonist well.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025
There are several films that have a very similar sort of antagonist like Buffalo Bill.
—Marley Gotterer, Them., 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
Noun
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While it’s commonly believed that cats and dogs are inherent enemies, the American Kennel Club (AKC) suggests that isn’t always the case.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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Designed to mislead enemies The inflatable structure mimics the silhouette of advanced aircraft when viewed from satellites or the air.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The celebrations had barely faded when attention turned to the Champions League draw in late August, when Kairat earned a date with some of Europe’s biggest clubs among their eight opponents, including competition record winner Real Madrid.—
Nina Subkhanberdina,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
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The transgender athlete, Marissa Rothenberger of Champlin Park High School, led the school to a state championship this past year while dominating female opponents.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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However, with five ranked foes remaining, and only two coming at home (only one of those two an SEC team, for that matter), Florida will need to sustain change, a feat Napier has yet to do.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
5 Oct. 2025
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The Little Drummer Girl (2018), played supernatural baddie Randall Flagg in The Stand (2020–2021), and gave the Roy dynasty a worthy foe on Succession (2021–2023).—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In front of the West Stand press box, fans sang and danced together to Spirit of the Blues and Singing the Blues — the latter a reference to rivals Liverpool’s defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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Georgie, meanwhile, seeks to buy the auto shop after Jim considers selling it to a local rival, Fred Fagenbacher (Matt Letscher).—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Seoul, South Korea — A Japanese warship is on the way to the United States to be fitted with Tomahawk cruise missiles, the latest move by Washington and its Asian allies to beef up firepower as adversaries like China and North Korea expand theirs.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
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The doctrine must commit to iterative refresh cycles every 6–12 months, keyed to adversary countermeasures.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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