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
-
In large part because the only feeling more satisfying than defeating your enemies is that of defeating your friends.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Nematodes and aphids, the two enemies of summer gardens, will stay away from your lettuce thanks to marigolds, but there's one more insect benefit.—
Heather Bien,
The Spruce,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For some observers, the lesson from Hungary is that Netanyahu’s opponents should look to his own camp for a candidate to unseat him.—
Deborah Danan,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
-
On the day of Lincoln’s election, the Wide Awakes patrolled polling places under the pretense of protecting democracy, while opponents viewed it as voter intimidation.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
So, future Big 12 foes, pick your poison.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2026
-
California’s trial attorneys and Uber — longtime courtroom foes — are officially bringing their fight to the November ballot.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Liverpool would wriggle their way back to the top of the table by March, only for the campaign to fall apart after five defeats in seven matches, a run that allowed Merseyside rivals Everton to win the league for the second time in three seasons.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Colombian presidential candidate Iván Cepeda consolidated his lead in the most recent poll and would defeat both conservative rivals in a runoff scenario, five weeks ahead of the vote.—
Oscar Medina,
Bloomberg,
27 Apr. 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 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
