ANTAGONIST Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

antagonist

noun

an-ˈta-gə-nist

Definition of antagonist

as in enemy

one that is hostile toward another please name the novel's hero and his antagonist

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in opponent

one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict his antagonist in the boxing match

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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 antagonist As his recent roles suggest, he is better served performing the catalyst or the antagonist. — Henry Alford, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 OpenAI’s Sam Altman was seated within spitting distance of his longtime antagonist Elon Musk. — Julian Gewirtz, The New York Review of Books, 17 Oct. 2026 John Steinbeck wrote Cathy Ames, the antagonist of his novel East of Eden, as the embodiment of original sin, and in Zoe Kazan’s Netflix adaptation, Florence Pugh deftly channels the character’s ambition and cynicism. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 The antagonist isn't just a single person or entity, but an entire system designed to crush any life out of him, all for the entertainment of the masses. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for antagonist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist

Noun

Compassion doesn’t mean that presidents or other public officials should bow to enemies or surrender common sense in tackling the world’s harsh realities.

— Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
And despite huge military spending, Saudi forces have struggled to deter their enemies.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of enemy

Noun

Assassination attempts against Putin's foes -- routinely denied by the Kremlin -- have been common during his decades in power.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Assassination attempts against Putin's foes — routinely denied by the Kremlin — have been common during his decades in power.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of foe

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antagonism

antagonist

antagonistic

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Style

“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of antagonist

noun

Example Sentences

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