Synonyms of protagonist

protagonist

noun

prō-ˈta-gə-nist 

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

• proponent
• advocate
• supporter
• advocator
• exponent
• friend
• promoter
• apostle
• champion
• white knight
• paladin
• booster
• high priest
• true believer
• espouser
• hierophant
• herald
• tub-thumper
• expounder
• stalwart
• backer
• loyalist
• gospeler
• interpreter
• disciple
• adherent
• cohort
• cheerleader
• fellow traveler
• follower
• partisan
• encourager
• applauder

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• antagonist
• opponent
• adversary
• enemy
• foe
• rival
• critic
• belittler
• faultfinder

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of protagonist

Its protagonist is a quixotic teenage girl named Elsie, who weaves dreamily through a party at her parents’ country home. — Literary Hub, 14 July 2026

Ability or Illness Some books bestow a special power or ability to time travel on their protagonist, usually with a high cost to the rest of their life. — Amy Tordoff, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

But in keeping with its protagonist’s difficulty staring at his feelings head-on, The Vampire Lestat—and the marketing that preceded its premiere—doesn’t start with ballads or sensual odes to far-reaching love. — Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026

Zverev looked like the tennis protagonist, the one whose play was going to determine who won and who lost. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 12 July 2026