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
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Recent Examples of antagonists
Time had passed since that Wolves result, but Arsenal were still the Premier League’s main antagonists.
—
Art De Roché, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Both Talarico and Crockett are very progressive, and Talarico has run a campaign with a left-wing populist platform that puts billionaires at the center as antagonists.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 4 Mar. 2026
In addition to the storm of clashing superheroes and their evil intergalactic foes, this upcoming outing will introduce a trio of new antagonists called Thragg, Dinosaurus, and Universa.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 25 Feb. 2026
It is asked not only by her antagonists but by women who project onto her their own sense of the records kept by their bodies.
—Gaby Wood, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2026
Mays and Clemmett are well matched as antagonists, balancing the flamboyant flaws and stubborn humanity of their characters.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Irons will play one of the film's antagonists, the leader of a secret order called the Watchers who keep an eye on immortals, viewing them as a threat to humanity.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026
Practical effects are scarce, and the game’s notorious array of Cronenberg-like antagonists have been mostly drained of their trademark physicality.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
Beta blockers, or beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists, are a class of drugs that lower blood pressure and heart rate.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 21 Jan. 2026
Art De Roché, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Both Talarico and Crockett are very progressive, and Talarico has run a campaign with a left-wing populist platform that puts billionaires at the center as antagonists.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 4 Mar. 2026
In addition to the storm of clashing superheroes and their evil intergalactic foes, this upcoming outing will introduce a trio of new antagonists called Thragg, Dinosaurus, and Universa.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 25 Feb. 2026
It is asked not only by her antagonists but by women who project onto her their own sense of the records kept by their bodies.
—Gaby Wood, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2026
Mays and Clemmett are well matched as antagonists, balancing the flamboyant flaws and stubborn humanity of their characters.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Irons will play one of the film's antagonists, the leader of a secret order called the Watchers who keep an eye on immortals, viewing them as a threat to humanity.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026
Practical effects are scarce, and the game’s notorious array of Cronenberg-like antagonists have been mostly drained of their trademark physicality.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
Beta blockers, or beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists, are a class of drugs that lower blood pressure and heart rate.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 21 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonists
Noun
-
There's a long history of journalists seeking interviews with world leaders, even when they are regarded as enemies of the United States.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
-
It was supposed to help America dominate its enemies.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Despite a 31-1 record, Miami wasn’t assured of a bid due to its schedule ranking 339th nationally with no Quadrant 1 opponents.—
Jeff Wallner,
Twin Cities,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Over his first two Summer League outings, Bassey racked up 36 points, 24 rebounds and five blocks, with the Summer C’s outscoring their opponents by 35 points with the 25-year-old on the court.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Beijing remains an economic partner—China is the largest buyer of oil from both Iran and Russia—but Xi is otherwise reluctant to get dragged into a wider war or invite American or European sanctions by arming America’s foes in battle.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
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Because this last week – which featured four games against quality foes – seemed like a good time to crank the dial.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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With fewer financial resources than her rivals, Kelly aired one of her campaign’s few TV ads Tuesday, casting herself as above the fray of her bickering opponents.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
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Today, Lincoln specializes in premium SUVs and crossovers, positioning itself as a premier American luxury brand competing with Cadillac and international rivals like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Volvo, and Acura.—
Tony Leopardo,
Mercury News,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The technology has enabled them to compete with adversaries fielding large and sophisticated air forces.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
18 Mar. 2026
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Other provisions in the bill include new due diligence standards to prevent any tech from falling into the hands of adversaries such as China — another concern of Ernst.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antagonists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonists. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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