as in proponents
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
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Recent Examples of protagonists
The big question is whether Ubisoft evolves the gameplay alongside the representation of its protagonists.
—
Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
This Cold War mystery was now nearly 40 years in the past, but most of the protagonists still lived.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2024
The key to the Max series’ success has been evolving the dynamic between its protagonists — a legendary Las Vegas comedian played by Jean Smart and her twentysomething writing partner played by Hannah Einbinder — while handing its peripheral characters substantial, but often laughable, storylines.
—Elaina Patton, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024
Critics have hailed Ross’ decision to shoot subjectively from the point of view of his protagonists, a bold conceit that is challenging and, for some, distancing.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Some of the tables and chairs in the pop-up were pink whilst the others were green reflecting the preferred colors of the movie's protagonists.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Relationships, much like any great story, have twists and turns that challenge their protagonists to grow.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
In both of these films, the trek is more of a moral crusade than a matter of geography, as their protagonists try to confront entrenched and seemingly endless cycles of violence that show no sign of relenting.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
All my favorite protagonists have a healthy dose of it, along with stubbornness, delusion, and grit.
—Mosha Lundström Halbert, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
This Cold War mystery was now nearly 40 years in the past, but most of the protagonists still lived.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2024
The key to the Max series’ success has been evolving the dynamic between its protagonists — a legendary Las Vegas comedian played by Jean Smart and her twentysomething writing partner played by Hannah Einbinder — while handing its peripheral characters substantial, but often laughable, storylines.
—Elaina Patton, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024
Critics have hailed Ross’ decision to shoot subjectively from the point of view of his protagonists, a bold conceit that is challenging and, for some, distancing.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Some of the tables and chairs in the pop-up were pink whilst the others were green reflecting the preferred colors of the movie's protagonists.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Relationships, much like any great story, have twists and turns that challenge their protagonists to grow.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
In both of these films, the trek is more of a moral crusade than a matter of geography, as their protagonists try to confront entrenched and seemingly endless cycles of violence that show no sign of relenting.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
All my favorite protagonists have a healthy dose of it, along with stubbornness, delusion, and grit.
—Mosha Lundström Halbert, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protagonists
Noun
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Women and people of color are historically paid less than their white male counterparts, and proponents of the transparency practice say this would help mitigate that by making pay public.—
Carrie Shepherd,
Axios,
3 Jan. 2025
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Despite these predictions, New York remains a very Democratic state, and energy proponents will no doubt still face an uphill battle in trying to change state policy.—
Daniel Markind,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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At Wolves, Nuno would often be criticised by supporters for his reluctance to use his substitutes to make tactical tweaks during matches.—
Paul Taylor,
The Athletic,
24 Dec. 2024
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Adams didn’t receive a standing ovation after coming off in the 89th minute, but Bournemouth’s traveling contingent of supporters certainly appreciated the effort from their American international.—
Felipe Cardenas,
The Athletic,
24 Dec. 2024
Noun
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One thing that promoters do worry about this time of year is inclement weather.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
5 Jan. 2025
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Higher ticket prices The average ticket price is expected to rise again in 2025, with promoters blaming ballooning costs on unprecedented demand.—
John Wenzel,
The Denver Post,
3 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protagonists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protagonists. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.
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