PROTAGONIST Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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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 Farrell first stepped into the role in 2022 in The Batman, and again in the film's 2024 spinoff miniseries, The Penguin, focused on his ruthless character as the protagonist. —

Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 Despite a growing number of games placing women at the center of their stories, Black female protagonists remain a rarity in the industry. —

Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 11 June 2026 One of the protagonists of Portugal’s Nations League triumph was Diogo Jota, who passed away alongside his brother in a tragic car accident last year. —

James Horncastle, New York Times, 10 June 2026 Work picked up, and Harbour began building a career, often playing a supporting character who helps reveal the hypocrisies or delusions of the protagonists. —

Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for protagonist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protagonist

Noun

The surest sign bitcoin will never be money can be found in what excited its proponents on the way up, along with its critics on the way down.

— John Tamny, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Its proponents have turned it into a symbol of freedom and defiance.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 14 June 2026