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

What happens next depends on the antagonists vying over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 15 July 2026

The games are known for the exhilaration of the first-person shootouts, organic open-world playgrounds, unique stories, and memorable antagonists. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 14 July 2026

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

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