agonist
noun
ag·o·nist
ˈa-gə-nist 
1
: one that is engaged in a struggle
2
[from antagonist]
a
: a muscle that is controlled by the action of an antagonist with which it is paired
b
: a chemical substance capable of combining with a specific receptor on a cell and initiating the same reaction or activity typically produced by the binding endogenous substance
dopaminergic agonists
compare antagonist sense 2b
Examples of agonist in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is the first time GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) will be covered by insurance when used solely for weight loss.
—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
The temporary program, which runs until the end of 2027, is the first opportunity for most older adults to get GLP-1s, short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, covered by insurance when used strictly for weight loss.
—
Ali Swenson,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
These are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists that imitate a natural hormone in the gut.
—
Stephanie Stephens,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
Many people labelled as non-responders to GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide do not take the medication correctly or discontinue treatment before adequate therapeutic effect can be achieved.
—
Nadine Wehida,
Scientific American,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for agonist
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Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
The temporary program, which runs until the end of 2027, is the first opportunity for most older adults to get GLP-1s, short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, covered by insurance when used strictly for weight loss.
—
Ali Swenson,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
These are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists that imitate a natural hormone in the gut.
—
Stephanie Stephens,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
Many people labelled as non-responders to GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide do not take the medication correctly or discontinue treatment before adequate therapeutic effect can be achieved.
—
Nadine Wehida,
Scientific American,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for agonist
Cite this Entry
“Agonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agonist. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
agonist
noun
ag·o·nist
ˈag-ə-nəst
1
: a muscle that on contracting is automatically checked and controlled by the opposing simultaneous contraction of another muscle
called also agonist muscle, prime mover
compare antagonist sense a, synergist sense 22
: a chemical substance (as a drug) capable of combining with a receptor on a cell and initiating the same reaction or activity typically produced by the binding of an endogenous substance
binding of adrenergic agonists
compare antagonist sense b
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