1
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another
please name the novel's hero and his antagonist
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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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Recent Examples of antagonist
Audiences will witness the events that fractured the bond between Gojo, often considered the most powerful sorcerer in the series, and Geto, who would later become a formidable antagonist.
—
Jamie Lang, Variety, 10 June 2025
The game will allow up to four players to battle through a fictional version of Shaolin, squaring off against The Deceiver, a menacing antagonist who serves as the game’s final boss.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 June 2025
Sunday plays a siren named Bianca Barclay, one of Nevermore's brightest lights and an early antagonist for Wednesday, though the pair's relationship softened by the end of season 1.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 7 June 2025
Orexin receptor antagonists are also showing promise as novel treatments for depression.
—Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Jamie Lang, Variety, 10 June 2025
The game will allow up to four players to battle through a fictional version of Shaolin, squaring off against The Deceiver, a menacing antagonist who serves as the game’s final boss.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 June 2025
Sunday plays a siren named Bianca Barclay, one of Nevermore's brightest lights and an early antagonist for Wednesday, though the pair's relationship softened by the end of season 1.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 7 June 2025
Orexin receptor antagonists are also showing promise as novel treatments for depression.
—Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
Noun
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As soon as the gunfight starts, the audience knows who the enemies are.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
18 June 2025
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In a pre-recorded video message, Khamenei claimed that American involvement signals Israel's weakness, adding that Iran's retaliatory actions have weakened the enemy.—
Amanda Castro
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 June 2025
Noun
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In a 6-to-3 decision by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the Court backed a request by the Trump Administration to limit the authority of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions, a powerful tool by which Trump's opponents have been able to halt many of his policies in recent months.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
27 June 2025
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Under ideal circumstances, Van would have had a full camp to fight an opponent ranked between No. 5 and No. 10 following his UFC 316 win.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
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The two longtime foes have traded direct strikes against one another since Israel launched a massive series of attacks against Iran last week, alleging that Tehran was secretly moving toward producing a nuclear weapon, a claim denied by Iranian officials.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
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The open conflict sparked by Israel’s sudden barrage of attacks against Iran’s nuclear and military structure shows no signs of abating on the seventh day of hostilities between the two longtime foes that threatens to spiral into a wider, more dangerous regional war.—
Elena Becatoros,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
Noun
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Success stories are told in the language of domination—of markets, rivals, and time.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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The company was slow to deliver its Apple Intelligence platform and still lags rivals in key features.—
Sara Braun,
Fortune,
21 June 2025
Noun
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Malicious Insiders: Employees or contractors who intentionally exfiltrate data, damage systems or assist external adversaries 2.—
Muhi S. Majzoub,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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To achieve denial against a peer adversary like China, the United States may need to clearly signal a readiness to intervene, in what would be a test of the American public's appetite for more war.—
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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