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 the latest adaptation of Austen's novel, which is set to hit theaters this month, Edgar-Jone stars as steadfast protagonist, Elinor Dashwood. — Elle Turner, Glamour, 11 Oct. 2026 Our hands-on preview at Gamescom 2026 also confirmed the protagonist isn’t Amanda Ripley, which instantly raises a number of questions. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 11 Oct. 2026 The book was actually written for a male protagonist, Jack Price. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 To put the ensemble on equal footing, La Bola Negra will be running its three protagonists in Supporting Actor. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 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
  • The billionaire tax fight grew more contentious last month after the lead proponent of the measure, SEIU UHW President Dave Regan, was accused of harassing female colleagues and threatening other union leaders to urge them to back the measure.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The biggest proponent of Proposition NN is the Colorado Education Association, the state's largest teachers' union.
    — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • Hosted by comedian and disability advocate Tina Friml, the Darcys awarded Geri Jewell with the Legacy Award and Vincent Rutley with the Christopher Reeve Emerging Talent Award.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The shortfall in support begins with managers, often the first advocate anyone has in their career.
    — Anna Maria Chavez, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of advocate
Noun
  • Instead, Khamenei’s death brought out the Islamic Republic’s ardent supporters.
    — Narges Bajoghli, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But in an email to IndieWire on October 6, CAC co-director Kelsie Greene — who was promoted into the job alongside Skolnick at the beginning of the summer — took issue with how Skolnick and his supporters were representing why he was fired.
    — Adam B. Vary, IndieWire, 9 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
  • Grupo Duelo, one of the most prominent exponents of norteño tejano music, will be part of the Billboard Latin Music Week 2026, representing traditional regional Mexican music.
    — Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Scientists have sought a way to shrink the size of the exponent.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of exponent
Noun
  • The friend and my father took my older sister and me out for a walk, and, at a nearby schoolyard, the man hung the camera on an exercise bar.
    — Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
  • May his struggles never dim the memories of a sweet man, a dear friend, and a master musician.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of friend

Browse Nearby Words

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protagonist
protagonists
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Cite this Entry

“Protagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protagonist. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on protagonist

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about protagonist

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