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 protagonists span generations, though McBride focusses on flawed men in their thirties and forties, much as Klay, Lefferts, and Conroe do. — T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2026 Not for the first time in recent history, a Madrid win in the Champions League had the same two main protagonists. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 The show enlisted Tom Sweet to portray young protagonist Jim Hawkins. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2026 In early drafts, Theo — something of a stand-in for Fern — was much more of the protagonist. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for protagonist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protagonist

Noun

Beniers is a big proponent of the player empowerment trend and believes players are well within their rights to turn down a trade or contract.

— Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
In order to secure the large number of signatures, proponents of initiatives typically hire petition management companies, according to the indictment.

— Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of proponent

Noun

The safest way to pay someone, consumer advocates say, is online, with a credit or debit card or electronic check.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Researchers and climate advocates have suggested that eating less meat is one way to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and benefit the environment.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of advocate

Noun

Footage circulating on social media appears to show a confrontation unfolding on the sidelines in the 73rd minute when Bielik was attempting to retrieve a ball that was thrown back into play by a young Portsmouth supporter.

— Sam Joseph, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Clancy’s supporters were divided, some holding out hope the Commonwealth’s highest court would intervene and others coming to accept what would end up being the inescapable conclusion.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of supporter

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

Talley then wandered out of the media center, looking down at her phone and trying to find her friends.

— Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
In a Facebook post, Robert Duensing, owner of Best Regards Bakery & Cafe in Overland Park, recalled hundreds of guest radio appearances and being pushed to go just a little further by his friend.

— Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of friend

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prosy

protagonist

protagonists

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“Protagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protagonist. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of protagonist

noun

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