PROTAGONIST Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

protagonist

noun

prō-ˈta-gə-nist

Definition of protagonist

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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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 The protagonist, named David (Niels Schneider), a fortyish photographer is working on a fascinating historical project in the suburbs of Paris. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026 When the race goes green on Sunday, Ryan Blaney and Carson Hocevar — protagonists in a late accident at Bristol and the fistfight that followed — will be subjects of intense scrutiny. — Reid Spencer, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026 Talem played Rabab Saube, the mother of the young protagonist, in the drama addressing violence against women, female dignity and women’s rights. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026 Dekel has said the film’s six-year production was almost as difficult as the journey of its protagonist. — Stewart Ain, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for protagonist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protagonist

Noun

But the apps’ creators and proponents argued the apps were simply a way for users to avoid contact with law enforcement and bore little difference in how Apple and Google maps let users alert others to police speed traps.

— Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
The bulk of the money raised by the proponents of Proposition 40, which would enact a one-time 5% tax on California billionaires’ assets, appears to have been spent on gathering signatures to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of proponent

Noun

As violent crime has declined in the years following the pandemic, domestic homicides were one of the few categories that were on the rise in 2025, sparking calls to action from law enforcement officials and advocates.

— Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
Einbinder and Sarandon have been among the most vocal advocates for the Palestinian cause amid Israel’s years-long bombardment of Gaza.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of advocate

Noun

Nixon embodies that for people, Dunn said, adding that her authenticity also attracts supporters.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Finally, supporters of the industry’s decisions contend that employers and venues have legitimate responsibilities to protect audiences and employees from hate speech, regardless of an entertainer’s race or gender.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of supporter

Noun

That threat is precisely why many of our friends and former colleagues in Washington have recently proposed sweeping measures meant to slow China’s biotech progress.

— Patrick McHenry, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026
Here, a very dear, longtime local friend officiated the service with just a few attendees which included a blacktip reef shark and a colony of marine iguanas.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of friend

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protagonist

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“Protagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protagonist. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of protagonist

noun

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