as in proponents
a person who actively supports or favors a cause
Milton Friedman is usually cited as the leading American protagonist of monetarism
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of protagonists
The anecdote has been partially told before, but never at this level of detail, with the prospect of the legendary writer making Altman the latest member of his cast of protagonists.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
Her role as the twin protagonists in Disney’s Liv and Maddie launched her acting career in the 2010s.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026
The new protagonists are bound to run into beloved characters from Baldur’s Gate 3 — some of them heroes, some of them villains, some of them literally devils — who occupy the same world.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
This culturally specific, millennial-minded narrative is not a coming-of-age story, but one where the protagonists, already of age, undergo a rediscovery of parts of themselves that were forcefully suppressed.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
Morina’s direct style — following Shaban and Hatixhe closely, highlighting the physicality of their labor — adopts the matter-of-fact attitude of his protagonists.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
Like the protagonists in Stuart’s previous novels, Shuggie Bain and Mungo Hamilton, Cal is gay.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
But Magoutas’ choices also help create a sense of specificity for the two protagonists and their growing friendship.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
Their protagonists may be intelligent and quietly manipulative, their aims rife with social or cultural commentary.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
Her role as the twin protagonists in Disney’s Liv and Maddie launched her acting career in the 2010s.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026
The new protagonists are bound to run into beloved characters from Baldur’s Gate 3 — some of them heroes, some of them villains, some of them literally devils — who occupy the same world.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
This culturally specific, millennial-minded narrative is not a coming-of-age story, but one where the protagonists, already of age, undergo a rediscovery of parts of themselves that were forcefully suppressed.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
Morina’s direct style — following Shaban and Hatixhe closely, highlighting the physicality of their labor — adopts the matter-of-fact attitude of his protagonists.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
Like the protagonists in Stuart’s previous novels, Shuggie Bain and Mungo Hamilton, Cal is gay.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
But Magoutas’ choices also help create a sense of specificity for the two protagonists and their growing friendship.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
Their protagonists may be intelligent and quietly manipulative, their aims rife with social or cultural commentary.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protagonists
Noun
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Some religious leaders oppose practice While proponents point to environmental benefits, human composting is not universally accepted.—
Hannah Kliger,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
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At the time, proponents of the bill mentioned that it could also be used to crack down on Spring Breakers.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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If dialogue or compromise were to take place, his sacred image would collapse in the eyes of his supporters.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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On the other hand, the court upheld limits on what supporters can contribute directly.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Parents and safety advocates, who for years have called for more online guardrails, say the trial is a crucial moment of accountability.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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Some advocates working with borrowers report seeing requests approved, while others have not.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The prime exponents are Brentford, with whom Gronnemark has worked on a consultancy basis.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Ticket-holders of Ball Arena concerts, typically sold through Ticketmaster, will receive an email with refund or exchange details, according to promoters.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
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The early promoters of the organic-farming movement prioritized soil quality and the sustainability of agricultural practices.—
Annie Levin,
Washington Post,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protagonists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protagonists. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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