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
While the three protagonists are played by Korean actors, the family of extraterrestrial bad guys are played by English-speaking actors Michael Fassbender, Oscar winner Alicia Vikander and Taylor Russell.
—
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 18 May 2026
Both books feature protagonists who are out of their elements but also possess unique attributes that first get them into trouble before becoming their one slim hope to escape.
—John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
The bright white of the horse certainly forms the punctum of the image, but as with many of the Constable paintings, the real protagonists are the trees.
—Literary Hub, 12 May 2026
Authors Ron Currie and David Heska Wanbli Weiden both return to their singular protagonists with narratives that deepen their legends by immersing readers in overlooked communities.
—Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
His deep dive into the genre left him with some pet peeves, not least the irrational or simply implausible behavior of many horror-movie protagonists.
—Alex Barasch, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
Why establish them as co-protagonists this time around?
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 May 2026
Some of the most extreme adventures described in the books on this list were not matters of choice; their protagonists were forced into do-or-die journeys by circumstance or bad luck.
—Eva Holland, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2026
Many of world literature’s most unlikable protagonists start unlikeable and end unlikeable.
—Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 18 May 2026
Both books feature protagonists who are out of their elements but also possess unique attributes that first get them into trouble before becoming their one slim hope to escape.
—John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
The bright white of the horse certainly forms the punctum of the image, but as with many of the Constable paintings, the real protagonists are the trees.
—Literary Hub, 12 May 2026
Authors Ron Currie and David Heska Wanbli Weiden both return to their singular protagonists with narratives that deepen their legends by immersing readers in overlooked communities.
—Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
His deep dive into the genre left him with some pet peeves, not least the irrational or simply implausible behavior of many horror-movie protagonists.
—Alex Barasch, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
Why establish them as co-protagonists this time around?
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 May 2026
Some of the most extreme adventures described in the books on this list were not matters of choice; their protagonists were forced into do-or-die journeys by circumstance or bad luck.
—Eva Holland, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2026
Many of world literature’s most unlikable protagonists start unlikeable and end unlikeable.
—Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protagonists
Noun
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South Korean offerings, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Pallisade, are still relative industry newcomers with strong proponents, few detractors and increasing sales.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
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Those lagging sales, proponents of the theory argue, are largely driven by would-be concertgoers growing disillusioned with high ticket prices, while also facing inflation and oversaturation.—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Noun
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While the emotional weight of a mother defending her child is undeniable, supporters of Save Girls’ Sports argue compassion for one athlete should not come at the expense of opportunities for other young women.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
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In recent months, McCann and a team of supporters, including many public school teachers, have knocked on hundreds of doors, arguing that McCann is the candidate who most supports public education, including the state’s flagship public university, which is located in her district.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
14 May 2026
Noun
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In recent years, even some advocates of free trade have come around to the idea that certain tariffs can be justified on strategic and national-security grounds, especially when working with an avowedly mercantilist country like China.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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Those connections could be tested under a new leader, depending on who takes office, with more power shifting to the community advocates who sometimes clash with corporate interests, an east Charlotte leader told The Charlotte Observer.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
18 May 2026
Noun
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This movement, known as critical legal studies, was associated with the political left, and its exponents, known as crits, loved to disparage liberal theorists’ devotion to the Constitution as naïve and counterproductive.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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Of course, Huang wasn’t talking to just anyone, but one of the chief exponents of the wealth tax, nationwide and in California.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Mitchell said there are plenty of less visible local efforts to boost Memphis artists, such as promoters working to get them on tours with national headliners.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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Trump account promoters have massively overstated the potential wealth gains for ordinary Americans.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protagonists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protagonists. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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