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

Moreno then took Episodes 3 and 4, bringing his flair for humor and character to the introduction of Fernanda del Carpio, a key antagonist. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 17 July 2026

Camlipixant is in the P2X3 antagonist class, which has seen other drug candidates fall by the wayside. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 17 July 2026

Neill was magnetic as the ruthless CI Major Chester Campbell in Peaky Blinders—an antagonist and romantic rival of Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby. — ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026

What happens next depends on the antagonists vying over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 15 July 2026