1
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
2
as in opponent
one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict
his antagonist in the boxing match
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of antagonist
More than ever, the lead antagonists’ handful of confrontations are high points.
—
Bob Strauss, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
More than ever, the lead antagonists’ handful of confrontations are high points.
—Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
Antonia has also wound up with her family, including her grandmother, an irascible old woman who is both Antonia’s role model and perhaps chief antagonist.
—John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
The biggest antagonist to this style of biscuit is pressure.
—Ella Quittner, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Bob Strauss, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
More than ever, the lead antagonists’ handful of confrontations are high points.
—Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
Antonia has also wound up with her family, including her grandmother, an irascible old woman who is both Antonia’s role model and perhaps chief antagonist.
—John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
The biggest antagonist to this style of biscuit is pressure.
—Ella Quittner, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
Noun
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In natural systems, pests seldom reach outbreak levels because predators, parasitoids, and disease organisms (collectively called natural enemies) keep populations in check.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 2026
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Targeting property Iran’s judiciary has begun seizing the property of public figures critical of the country’s rulers, under an anti-espionage law approved during last year’s 12-day war with Israel that punishes media and cultural activities deemed to support Iran’s enemies.—
Amir-Hussein Radjy,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
His opponents have strong cases, too.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
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The metrics now tell us the Penguins’ most likely playoff opponent in two weeks will be the Flyers.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Included in what would become a season-high 12-game winning streak were road victories over future Elite Eight foe Iowa and Purdue.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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In the horror sequel, Josh Hutcherson and Elizabeth Lail return to face new foes as well the old murderous animatronic animals of Freddy Fazbear's Pizza.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Breaking a trend of players from his area who often choose the Wolverines' biggest rivals in East Lansing, Trey set his sights on Ann Arbor.—
Jack Springgate,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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But the entire episode proved a huge fundraising boon to Schiff, who pulled away from his rivals in the Senate primary and easily won the general election.—
Nicholas Wu,
semafor.com,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The bill targets countries designated as foreign adversaries, including Communist China, according to the lawmakers.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
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Criticized by conservatives at home for his conciliatory tone, the reformist politician has also been sidelined by Iran’s adversaries.—
Roxane Razavi,
The Conversation,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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