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

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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 In an interesting flourish, Henry, The Art of Fielding’s star shortstop and more or less that novel’s protagonist, shows up for just a few moments and then disappears. — Emma Alpern, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026 Most of her young protagonists don’t even fit the center’s profile. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 26 Oct. 2026 On this occasion, though, his focus is on female protagonists, specifically Pella. — Malcolm Forbes, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2026 Our protagonist, Bass Reeves, must use his cybernetic arm and bounty hunter skills to protect his family. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 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
  • Some proponents of tighter regulation will accept incremental progress, while others push for more sweeping change.
    — Barbara A. Trish, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Jackson, a proponent of Medicare for All, wrote Maine’s law creating the Prescription Drug Affordability Board and establishing pathways to importing cheaper drugs from Canada.
    — Emma Specter, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • Imara Jones, an advocate who runs a website that features the stories of transgender people, said the issue is attractive for conservatives because some Democrats agree with them.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Medicaid reimbursement rate cuts anger foster care advocates and lawmakers.
    — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of advocate
Noun
  • Polish President Karol Nawrocki forced his way into his nation’s high court as his supporters clashed against an army of police outside.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Harris thanked her for being a supporter of the program and players and coaches presented her with a card.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 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
  • One of the most distinguished exponents of Beowulf as live performance today is the American singer Benjamin Bagby, who’s made the lyre an indispensable part of his act.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Astaire is the world's foremost exponent of that particular variety of heart throb!
    — David Hajdu, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of exponent
Noun
  • Sundfør was also drawn to Julian’s ideas through a close friend who converted to Catholicism while battling cancer, and with whom Sundfør read religious texts, including Julian’s Revelations.
    — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The hopeful part is the part where the people who are dealing with the consequences of that look toward their community, look toward their friends, look toward the people around them for support, for help, for unity—all of those sorts of things.
    — Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of friend

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protagonist
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Cite this Entry

“Protagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protagonist. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about protagonist

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