protagonist

noun

prō-ˈta-gə-nist How to pronounce protagonist (audio)
Definition of protagonistnext
as in proponent
a person who actively supports or favors a cause Milton Friedman is usually cited as the leading American protagonist of monetarism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of protagonist After all, an emotional, and intense, journey is also what the protagonists of her movie embark on. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026 Kennedy borrowed Gatsby’s strategy of having an associate of the protagonist tell the story. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 The sequel ratchets up the stakes by saddling its cursed protagonist with not only a supernatural nightmare but the pressures of living under an intensely public spotlight. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026 But Frank Meier, as Collin presents him, is not a very interesting protagonist for a novel. — David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for protagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protagonist
  1. proponent
  2. advocate
  3. supporter
  4. advocator
  5. exponent
  6. friend
Noun
  • What may be alarming to proponents of data privacy is exciting for marketers.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Her departure follows a career shift from a respected business journalist to a proponent of conspiracy theories, particularly regarding the 2020 election.
    — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • The safest way to pay someone, consumer advocates say, is online, with a credit or debit card or electronic check.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Researchers and climate advocates have suggested that eating less meat is one way to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and benefit the environment.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of advocate
Noun
  • Footage circulating on social media appears to show a confrontation unfolding on the sidelines in the 73rd minute when Bielik was attempting to retrieve a ball that was thrown back into play by a young Portsmouth supporter.
    — Sam Joseph, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Clancy’s supporters were divided, some holding out hope the Commonwealth’s highest court would intervene and others coming to accept what would end up being the inescapable conclusion.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of supporter
Noun
  • In the leadership and care phase, your role is that of an advocator.
    — Rodney C. Adkins, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
Definition of advocator
Noun
  • His mind didn’t go blank; rather, all the what-ifs multiplied like exponents, crowding his thoughts and rendering him unable to envision anything else.
    — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
  • Often categorized along with Bellow and Bernard Malamud as exponents of a particularly Jewish-American sensibility, all three were additionally masters of the American voice.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 June 2026
Definition of exponent
Noun
  • Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley estended her condolences to victim’s friends and family.
    — Elgin Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • More messages arrived over Discord, X, WhatsApp, and even from a colleague who had been asked by a friend to see whether Fabian would correct his story to say that the explosion had been caused by interceptor fragments.
    — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of friend

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prosy
protagonist
protagonists
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Cite this Entry

“Protagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protagonist. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on protagonist

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about protagonist

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