1
as in enemies
one that is hostile toward another
please name the novel's hero and his antagonist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opponents
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
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 antagonists
Brooks is one of the league's best defensive players and best antagonists.
—
ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
Season 2 was a chance for the show to take some risks and see where the Stargate could go beyond the off-world planets and battling major antagonists.
—Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Over the years, audiences have developed a deep hunger for these underwater antagonists – hello, Shark Week!
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
The antagonists join forces in the sequel to combat the technological alien threat known as Brainiac (new cast member Lars Eidinger).
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
At the end of the night, during the bows, Butler slaps the guys playing her two antagonists gently on their butts, a gesture that would have jarred in most stagings but fully in keeping with the inclusive, humanistic vibe of this production.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
There is one worthwhile scene in which the sympathetic characters silently try to escape the gang of antagonists — it's effectively shot, edited, and performed to build a solid sense of excitement.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026
Today Washington and Havana are still antagonists, but the ideologies on each side have faded over the years.
—Quico Toro, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
The compound was first synthesized in the early 1960s by researchers working with Endo Laboratories in Long Island, New York, who were investigating new derivatives related to earlier opioid antagonists.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
Season 2 was a chance for the show to take some risks and see where the Stargate could go beyond the off-world planets and battling major antagonists.
—Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Over the years, audiences have developed a deep hunger for these underwater antagonists – hello, Shark Week!
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
The antagonists join forces in the sequel to combat the technological alien threat known as Brainiac (new cast member Lars Eidinger).
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
At the end of the night, during the bows, Butler slaps the guys playing her two antagonists gently on their butts, a gesture that would have jarred in most stagings but fully in keeping with the inclusive, humanistic vibe of this production.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
There is one worthwhile scene in which the sympathetic characters silently try to escape the gang of antagonists — it's effectively shot, edited, and performed to build a solid sense of excitement.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026
Today Washington and Havana are still antagonists, but the ideologies on each side have faded over the years.
—Quico Toro, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
The compound was first synthesized in the early 1960s by researchers working with Endo Laboratories in Long Island, New York, who were investigating new derivatives related to earlier opioid antagonists.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonists
Noun
-
Trump unilaterally waged war against a foreign country, used the Department of Justice and FBI to attack his political enemies, and enriched himself and his family at the expense of Americans.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
2 May 2026
-
Country has ‘strategic enemies’ on both sides Ghadban said his country had no interest in allying with either side in the war.—
Abby Sewell,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
But tribal opponents disagree that those requirements were met and said drilling projects are often a first step leading to future mines.—
Sarah Raza,
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2026
-
Martin gets some jokes about it, more from older generations than teammates or opponents.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
Noun
-
This fourth season was the series’ most ambitious, both in its set pieces (shoot-outs, car chases) and in its interrogation of what its characters value and love, and if Dark Winds can keep mixing up the flavor of Leaphorn and Chee’s foes, its forecast looks good.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
4 May 2026
-
Reuters, which won for national reporting, looked at how Trump has used the federal government and his supporters’ influence to expand presidential authority and target foes, the award judges noted.—
Jennifer Peltz,
Twin Cities,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Once fierce rivals, the two men were responsible for the country’s first peaceful transfer of power between parties, after Jefferson and his Democratic-Republican Party defeated Adams and the Federalists in the election of 1800.—
Jelani Cobb,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
While rivals like the Tacoma and Colorado constantly reinvent themselves, Nissan tends to take the long road by refining, tweaking, and polishing instead of blowing everything up every few years.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Such a gathering could have been targeted by foreign adversaries or others with far more experience, less regard for human life and much greater firepower than Allen, experts said.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Foreign adversaries and the Federal Reserve have begun using this phrase in official communications.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Antagonists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonists. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
