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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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 Ritchson highlights the season's unpredictable plot, with major twists and antagonist reveals occurring earlier than expected, promising a compelling watch. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 GnRH antagonists block hormones in the pituitary gland to prevent the patient from ovulating early. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 Local fisherman Wyck Crawford, played by a delightfully rascally Stephen Root, serves as Loftis’ human antagonist, warning the mayor of impending doom. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026 The movie features his ninja clan creation The Hand as one of Spidey’s antagonists. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 11 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 Dodgers are baseball's enemy because their ownership group has shown a willingness to win, and their front office is smart enough to do so.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Likewise, battlefield commanders often need urgent response plans to enemy attacks, something AI can help with.
    — Emelia S. Probasco, Foreign Affairs, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of enemy
Noun
  • Seemingly countless millions of dollars are being spent on the measure, particularly by its wealthy opponents.
    — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Which brings us to David Solet, Ryan’s opponent in the primary.
    — Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of opponent
Noun
  • Yet the answers remain evasive enough that Golden State coach Natalie Nakase charges herself with the blame for not yet finding new answers for this foe.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The raucous home environment at Doak on a Monday night is often tough for road foes to overcome.
    — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of foe
Noun
  • Apple Music plans to tell you when a song is AI-generated by adding a new label next to tracks, using a different disclosure method than its biggest streaming rival, Spotify.
    — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, the two rivals separately offered a preview of their pitches to win over both urban Kansas City and rural Pettis County.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of rival
Noun
  • As capabilities that once required highly skilled adversaries become increasingly accessible, strengthening cybersecurity has become an even greater strategic priority.
    — Fran Rosch, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The president’s former fixer turned primary adversary—and unlikely liberal resistance icon—had been the prosecution’s star witness in the Manhattan criminal trial just months prior.
    — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of adversary

Browse Nearby Words

antagonism
antagonist
antagonistic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antagonist. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on antagonist

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antagonist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of devolve

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All