Synonyms of antagonists

antagonists

noun

plural of antagonist

1

as in enemies

one that is hostile toward another

please name the novel's hero and his antagonist

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enemies
• opponents
• foes
• adversaries
• hostiles
• attackers
• rivals
• archenemies
• competitors
• combatants
• invaders
• assailants
• nemeses
• archfoes
• ill-wishers
• banes
• bêtes noires
• emulators

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• friends
• allies
• partners
• buddies
• pals
• amigos
• colleagues
• musketeers
• cronies
• chums
• fellows
• collaborators
• compadres
• comrades
• accomplices
• mates
• confederates
• abettors
• adherents
• followers
• disciples
• supporters
• sympathizers
• benefactors
• hearties
• hail-fellows
• hobnobbers
• friendlies
• backers
• exponents
• hail-fellows-well-met
• well-wishers

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

• opponents
• rivals
• foes
• adversaries
• competitors
• enemies
• contestants
• equals
• matches
• combatants
• nemeses
• archenemies
• attackers
• invaders
• assailants
• curses
• banes
• bêtes noires

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• allies
• partners
• supporters
• accomplices
• proponents
• advocates
• champions
• confederates
• sympathizers
• exponents

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of antagonists

Since Beckham uploaded a photo of the two former antagonists on his Instagram feed on Monday, the post has garnered nearly 220,000 likes. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026

The semiquincentennial of our country is the perfect time for liberals to reclaim natural law and not cede it to their antagonists. — Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 2 July 2026

To honor Orion, the Scorpion was placed opposite him in the sky, so that these celestial antagonists will never meet again. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 26 June 2026

Since 2004, Far Cry has more than 100 million unique players and is one of Ubisoft’s most popular franchises, known for the exhilaration of the first-person shootouts, organic open world playgrounds, unique stories and memorable antagonists. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 June 2026

Reporting points to a cinematic story trailer rather than a gameplay deep-dive, fleshing out Lucia and Jason's relationship, the antagonists, and more of Leonida's tone. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026

Beyond harsher criticism, sports media frames Black athletes differently — often naming them as villains, failures, antagonists or questioning their leadership when necessary. — Brielle Miller, Baltimore Sun, 16 June 2026

In any year, in any culture, there are no antagonists (save for Nazis) better suited as action cinema heavies; rooting against child trafficking lowlifes is moral, easy, and best of all, a completely guiltless pleasure. — Andy Crump, IndieWire, 15 June 2026

Leto has a long history of portraying antagonists. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026