antagonist

noun

an-ˈta-gə-nist How to pronounce antagonist (audio)
Definition of antagonistnext
1
as in enemy
one that is hostile toward another please name the novel's hero and his antagonist

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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

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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 antagonist McGee was an antagonist in Season 5 of Top Boy, a high-ranking member of the Irish mob who distributed drugs in London for his uncle, Tadgh McGee. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 Species once seen primarily as competitors or antagonists have turned out to be mutualists, with both parties benefiting. — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 Orexin antagonists were developed as a treatment for insomnia, differing from conventional sleeping pills that induce sedation. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 20 Aug. 2026 With a large ensemble cast, everyone gets their due, including Kurt Russell as late-arriving big agriculture antagonist Dob McCoy. — Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for antagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antagonist
  1. enemy
  2. opponent
  3. foe
  4. rival
  5. adversary
Noun
  • The gunplay is punchy and satisfying; Jun and their NPC companions are more agile; and the arsenal of both sci-fi weapons and ancient powers (magic in a sci-fi trench coat) gives players a richer selection of tools to neutralize enemies with.
    — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Who could have guessed that their worst enemy would hail not from across the border but from the skies?
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of enemy
Noun
  • But by defending in this way, Chelsea are giving smart opponents the advantage in the battle for possession.
    — Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • It was scheduled after Sandburg had its original Week 2 opponent back out.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of opponent
Noun
  • So far in the 2026 primary season at least five congressional Democrats – from Texas to Colorado – who are 65 or older have lost to younger foes amid the anti-establishment revolt.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • That sense of powerlessness against an unknowable, unkillable foe.
    — Keith Langston, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of foe
Noun
  • However, depth in the secondary remains a focal point, as young talent and new additions like Styles will be tested early against division rivals.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Additionally, Volkswagen has faced fierce competition from Chinese rivals as domestic manufacturers such as BYD and Geely gained ground in electric vehicles and challenged its longstanding position in the market.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of rival
Noun
  • Continue reading … SILICON STANDOFF — US adversary turns up the heat on America’s AI lead with an underestimated edge.
    — , FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The sinking of the flagship Moskva, for example, showed that even a ship equipped with layered air defenses was vulnerable to an adversary’s kill chain.
    — HOLMES LIAO, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of adversary

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Cite this Entry

“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on antagonist

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antagonist

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