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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Its protagonist is a quixotic teenage girl named Elsie, who weaves dreamily through a party at her parents’ country home. — Literary Hub, 14 July 2026 Ability or Illness Some books bestow a special power or ability to time travel on their protagonist, usually with a high cost to the rest of their life. — Amy Tordoff, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026 But in keeping with its protagonist’s difficulty staring at his feelings head-on, The Vampire Lestat—and the marketing that preceded its premiere—doesn’t start with ballads or sensual odes to far-reaching love. — Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026 Zverev looked like the tennis protagonist, the one whose play was going to determine who won and who lost. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 12 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
  • Some proponents suggest that prediction markets could be an alternative to insurance, especially as insurers pull out of regions at high-risk for wildfire.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Bell won the All-Star Race last year and was a massive proponent of North Wilkesboro Speedway landing on the points schedule.
    — Alex Zietlow July 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • While advocates for court reporters say humans can still do the job better than machines, the fact that many hearings occur without any official transcript at all has drawn concern from top state officials.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Human rights advocates have also welcomed Jin’s release but cautioned that many members of Zion Church still remain behind bars.
    — Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Definition of advocate
Noun
  • To his supporters, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the steadfast, fearless leader who transcended mere politics and inspired devotion.
    — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Hundreds of supporters gathered to cheer her arrival after nearly a month and a half at sea.
    — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 5 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
  • 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
  • The deformation depends on a single free exponent.
    — Paul Sutter, Space.com, 26 May 2026
Definition of exponent
Noun
  • Court documents state that Goldbourne met the girl through mutual friends and the two texted to plan a time to meet up.
    — Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Her friend offered a cigarette and Cai, searching her brain for a reason to say no, couldn’t find one.
    — Jessica M. Goldstein, Washington Post, 14 July 2026
Definition of friend

Browse Nearby Words

prosy
protagonist
protagonists
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Cite this Entry

“Protagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protagonist. Accessed 18 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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