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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The gods stay largely out of sight In Homer’s original poem, the gods hold meetings, argue, play favorites and meddle so routinely in human affairs that Athena is practically a second protagonist. — Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026 In Sex and the City 2, the 2010 sequel to the first spin-off film based on the hit series of the same name, protagonist Carrie Bradshaw receives a black diamond ring from her partner. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 21 July 2026 The books’ primary protagonist, Ray Carney, an ambitious furniture salesman with a criminal lineage, has straightened up the family line and mostly flies right. — Niela Orr, Vulture, 20 July 2026 Across 28 years and 13 films, Nolan has never cast a female protagonist. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 20 July 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
  • While proponents highlight their potential for companionship, addressing issues like loneliness, this technology sparks profound ethical debates.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Politicians and other proponents of the lab-leak theory have issued fresh calls to punish Fauci, 85, and scientists his institute funded.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • The move quickly set off a firestorm, with immigration rights advocates accusing DOJ of trying to malign a dead man.
    — Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • Nik Hunder is a policy analyst, researcher and safe transportation advocate based in Chicago.
    — Nik Hunder, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
Definition of advocate
Noun
  • Club legends Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Phil Thompson and Tash Dowie will be on the trip to attend various meet-and-greet events with sponsors and supporters.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Party leaders, Wangchuk’s wife and supporters accuse authorities of ‘abducting’ him to stifle a growing protest movement, as police flood main protest with barricades and paramilitary forces.
    — Aijaz Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 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
  • His mind didn’t go blank; rather, all the what-ifs multiplied like exponents, crowding his thoughts and rendering him unable to envision anything else.
    — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
  • Often categorized along with Bellow and Bernard Malamud as exponents of a particularly Jewish-American sensibility, all three were additionally masters of the American voice.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 June 2026
Definition of exponent
Noun
  • Samaritan's Purse said nearly every patient treated at its field hospital has lost a family member or close friend.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
  • Can any human being be a true friend to thousands or even millions of people at once?
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of friend

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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 24 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on protagonist

Nglish: Translation of protagonist for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about protagonist

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