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
Their protagonists may be intelligent and quietly manipulative, their aims rife with social or cultural commentary.
—
Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
Nature—and its subtlest micro-shifts—are the main protagonists, from the green humidity of summer, the sound of cicadas ringing thick in the air to the fiery blaze of autumn leaves (courtesy of approximately 3,000 Japanese maple trees) and the fresh cloud-like bursts of springtime sakura.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
There have also been numerous shore leave adventures and unashamed comedy outings where the protagonists' actions have little bearing on the universe beyond their starship hull.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Most of its seventeen stories feature young female protagonists caught somewhere between attending high school and turning thirty.
—Hannah Gold, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
The protagonists are usually women, and the stories combine fantasy and romance tropes, The Conversation reported.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Don’t sweat it, though, because first the zombies have to get through the brave and determined living protagonists on this list, and these characters aren’t giving up without a fight.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Jan. 2026
Valentino Garavani, one of the legendary protagonists of Italian and global fashion, has passed away at the age of 93.
—Francesco Martino, Glamour, 19 Jan. 2026
The protagonists tend to blur a bit, their collective hopes and dreams proving more compelling than any specific thread.
—Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
Nature—and its subtlest micro-shifts—are the main protagonists, from the green humidity of summer, the sound of cicadas ringing thick in the air to the fiery blaze of autumn leaves (courtesy of approximately 3,000 Japanese maple trees) and the fresh cloud-like bursts of springtime sakura.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
There have also been numerous shore leave adventures and unashamed comedy outings where the protagonists' actions have little bearing on the universe beyond their starship hull.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Most of its seventeen stories feature young female protagonists caught somewhere between attending high school and turning thirty.
—Hannah Gold, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
The protagonists are usually women, and the stories combine fantasy and romance tropes, The Conversation reported.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Don’t sweat it, though, because first the zombies have to get through the brave and determined living protagonists on this list, and these characters aren’t giving up without a fight.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Jan. 2026
Valentino Garavani, one of the legendary protagonists of Italian and global fashion, has passed away at the age of 93.
—Francesco Martino, Glamour, 19 Jan. 2026
The protagonists tend to blur a bit, their collective hopes and dreams proving more compelling than any specific thread.
—Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protagonists
Noun
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Critics of phasing out natural gas argue that much of the electricity on the grid comes from natural gas, but proponents say renewable energy is making up a larger share.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
26 Jan. 2026
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Scott Galloway, a marketing professor at New York University who has written about modern masculinity, has been among the most vocal proponents of the idea that drinking plays a crucial social role in American society.—
Aria Bendix,
NBC news,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Family, friends, and rabid supporters cheered.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
29 Jan. 2026
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Authorities ultimately barred Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending the match, citing security concerns, after large-scale protests were planned.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The evening brought together chefs, civic leaders, business innovators, artists and community advocates to honor renewal, rebuild momentum and remind Angelenos what makes the city extraordinary.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Survivors can also contact victim advocates for support, information and resources by calling (805) 568-2400 or toll-free at (855) 840-4171.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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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Chilton said what sets him apart from other concert promoters is that Psyko Steve Presents takes a lot more risks on smaller artists.—
Dina Kaur,
AZCentral.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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The live music business is still dealing with the personnel shortage that resulted from that tumultuous period, which ultimately left fewer experienced crew members, promoters, and agents on hand as many transitioned to other careers.—
Simon Vozick-Levinson,
Rolling Stone,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protagonists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protagonists. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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