1
as in enemies
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 opponents
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
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Recent Examples of antagonists
Much of these first two episodes is devoted to setting up the Jacksons as the show’s antagonists — sometimes unexpectedly.
—
Noel Murray, Vulture, 15 May 2026
Along the way, the poets encounter the likes of Cleopatra and the various antagonists of the Trojan War — Achilles, Helen of Troy and Paris — in the second circle where those who fell under the sin of lust end up.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 May 2026
Chin Han stars as Shang Tsung, one of the main antagonists in the first movie.
—Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Brooks is one of the league's best defensive players and best antagonists.
—ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
Over the years, audiences have developed a deep hunger for these underwater antagonists – hello, Shark Week!
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
The antagonists join forces in the sequel to combat the technological alien threat known as Brainiac (new cast member Lars Eidinger).
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
At the end of the night, during the bows, Butler slaps the guys playing her two antagonists gently on their butts, a gesture that would have jarred in most stagings but fully in keeping with the inclusive, humanistic vibe of this production.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
There is one worthwhile scene in which the sympathetic characters silently try to escape the gang of antagonists — it's effectively shot, edited, and performed to build a solid sense of excitement.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026
Noel Murray, Vulture, 15 May 2026
Along the way, the poets encounter the likes of Cleopatra and the various antagonists of the Trojan War — Achilles, Helen of Troy and Paris — in the second circle where those who fell under the sin of lust end up.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 May 2026
Chin Han stars as Shang Tsung, one of the main antagonists in the first movie.
—Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Brooks is one of the league's best defensive players and best antagonists.
—ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
Over the years, audiences have developed a deep hunger for these underwater antagonists – hello, Shark Week!
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
The antagonists join forces in the sequel to combat the technological alien threat known as Brainiac (new cast member Lars Eidinger).
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
At the end of the night, during the bows, Butler slaps the guys playing her two antagonists gently on their butts, a gesture that would have jarred in most stagings but fully in keeping with the inclusive, humanistic vibe of this production.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
There is one worthwhile scene in which the sympathetic characters silently try to escape the gang of antagonists — it's effectively shot, edited, and performed to build a solid sense of excitement.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonists
Noun
-
Vaccines present either defanged pathogens or distinctive fragments of them to specialized immune cells—namely, T cells and antibody-producing B cells—that can then learn to identify those microbial enemies.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
-
His history with China has not been positive — he is embroiled with allies and enemies, and faces an economy that could derail his leadership.—
Rob Crilly,
The Washington Examiner,
15 May 2026
Noun
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Earlier this season, Chelsea were leaving three attackers out on the halfway line at defensive corners to give them counter-attacking outlets and to force opponents to match them up, helping clear the penalty area of bodies.—
Graham Scott,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson used his postgame press conference to defend the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama, specifically the level of physicality Wembanyama gets from opponents during games.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
When a chance encounter with a distraught stranger on a subway goes horribly wrong, Reacher is drawn into a complex and deadly game that pits him against ruthless foes from the highest echelons of power.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
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The 2026 opener will serve as the 13th time the Cowboys have opened the season against the Giants, with Dallas owning an 11-1 record all-time against its divisional foes in season openers.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
White Sox fans got the last laugh on Sunday afternoon as their squad completed a wild, thrilling comeback victory over their crosstown rivals.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
-
Ronda Rousey needed just 17 seconds to defeat Gina Carano via armbar on Saturday night, and her rivals needed about the same amount of time to take to social media to mock the performance.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
The Holy See has historically played a distinctive backchannel role in easing tensions between the two adversaries.—
Rick Jervis,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
-
Google researchers said this is an example of adversaries increasingly leveraging AI to automate vulnerabilities, phishing campaigns, and malware development.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antagonists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonists. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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