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
-
Israel steps up Lebanon strikes Israeli forces intensified strikes in Lebanon and killed the military chief of Hamas in Gaza, moves analysts said were driven by fears a potential US-Iran deal may curtail Israel’s ability to hit its enemies.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
29 May 2026
-
According to the footage, what awaits Rhaenyra during her reign are fearful subjects, conniving enemies, sleepless nights and plenty of anguish.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Donalds’ opponents have repeatedly tried to knock him for supporting the expansion of AI data centers in the state.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
1 June 2026
-
Up until the issuing of the judge’s temporary restraining order, many of its opponents described feeling helpless about a project that, in their eyes, had an air of inevitability.—
Matthew Stolle,
Twin Cities,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
The dog paces to and fro, hackles bristling, snapping at the empty air, its head turning one way, then the other, as if aware of invisible foes in the valley around them.—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
Daemon rocks the trailer with blood on his face from sticking his sword into foes.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
With so many of his friends and rivals stuck on shore, Botin acknowledged his lead in the standings didn’t give him the usual sense of satisfaction.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
-
Shares of psychedelic drug developers such as Compass Pathways and other rivals tied to the space rallied following the announcement, with Wall Street analysts arguing the order could legitimize an industry long viewed as fringe.—
Brandon Gomez,
CNBC,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Following the release of the shipbuilding plan, Cao took to X to highlight the administration’s efforts to combat US adversaries like China.—
Shelby Talcott,
semafor.com,
3 June 2026
-
Circuit boards present all sorts of opportunities for adversaries to sneak through malicious components.—
Katie Tarasov,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antagonists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonists. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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