as in proponents
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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Recent Examples of protagonists
The most recognizable reference will be to the protagonists in the movie, the K-pop girl group Huntr/x members Rumi, Mira, and Zoey.
—
Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025
The 2025 edition puts women’s stories front and center, with all three marquee slots — opening, centerpiece and closing films — focused on female protagonists.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
Folks who may have been fleeting presences, or reduced to talking heads in tiny squares on a group Zoom — like the secretary of defense (Jared Harris) or a fresh-faced deputy national security adviser (The Night Agent‘s Gabriel Basso) — become lead protagonists.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
The gender nonconformity of the protagonists—all thinly disguised versions of Lee—is often obvious but never explicitly mentioned.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
But even with the college protagonists joining up with the ranks in the finale, Kripke was quick to point out that The Boys and Gen V are still two separate series.
—Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Unlike a movie, show, or song, reading a novel from cover to cover demands time and sustained attention to stay engaged throughout the slowest chapters and extend empathy to flawed, morally gray protagonists.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 22 Oct. 2025
As for the fashion of the series, fans can expect a range of power suits and other sharp business looks as the female protagonists take on legal dramas.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
While there are many factors contributing to Netflix's golden status, its shows are likely the main protagonists.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025
The 2025 edition puts women’s stories front and center, with all three marquee slots — opening, centerpiece and closing films — focused on female protagonists.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
Folks who may have been fleeting presences, or reduced to talking heads in tiny squares on a group Zoom — like the secretary of defense (Jared Harris) or a fresh-faced deputy national security adviser (The Night Agent‘s Gabriel Basso) — become lead protagonists.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
The gender nonconformity of the protagonists—all thinly disguised versions of Lee—is often obvious but never explicitly mentioned.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
But even with the college protagonists joining up with the ranks in the finale, Kripke was quick to point out that The Boys and Gen V are still two separate series.
—Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Unlike a movie, show, or song, reading a novel from cover to cover demands time and sustained attention to stay engaged throughout the slowest chapters and extend empathy to flawed, morally gray protagonists.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 22 Oct. 2025
As for the fashion of the series, fans can expect a range of power suits and other sharp business looks as the female protagonists take on legal dramas.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
While there are many factors contributing to Netflix's golden status, its shows are likely the main protagonists.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protagonists
Noun
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And although the state Legislature has allocated funds for water assistance in the past, proponents for the new package say creating a long-term, permanent fund will provide Michigan households and communities with a sustainable way to ensure the tap stays on and water bills are paid.—
Arpan Lobo,
Freep.com,
29 Oct. 2025
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This was a momentous development for child-care proponents such as myself, who have long argued that wide-reaching free programs are crucial for parents and for a healthy democracy.—
Elliot Haspel,
The Atlantic,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Each post, often featuring updates about Ginger the tiger, draws thousands of likes and comments from supporters.—
Quinn Clark,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
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Trump met Milei at the White House two weeks ago, and the Argentine has emerged as one of the US leader’s most ardent supporters abroad.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Influenced by the progressive Methodist faith in which he was raised, Maunder was one of his profession’s most outspoken advocates for women’s participation in science.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Mental health advocates said the encounters before Zettel’s death show multiple points of possible intervention in the days and hours before she was killed.—
Hope Karnopp,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The prime exponents are Brentford, with whom Gronnemark has worked on a consultancy basis.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In the article, Roufus criticized promoters who were focused on profits and lacked the experience to safely sponsor fights.—
Cleo Krejci,
jsonline.com,
18 Oct. 2025
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As promoters hit him up to bring Experts Only from Los Angeles to Japan, the final goal of his new empire is to throw parties without even playing at them.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protagonists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protagonists. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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