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

The lawyer takes the tenets of mindfulness to heart, and Dusse takes both these tenets and his protagonist to absurd – and sometimes shockingly violent – conclusions. — The Know, Denver Post, 5 July 2026

Residents are strictly governed by regulations and believe the outside world is toxic, but the protagonist, an engineer named Juliette Nichols, begins to uncover secrets about the Silo’s history and the truth behind their world. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Reality tends to offer less stylish and cinematic ends for its protagonists. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 3 July 2026

This book is preoccupied with self-inquiry; its protagonist takes plenty of procedural detours to cross-examine his fascination with death and his troubled relationships with women. — Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026