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
One of the main protagonists in all the negative drama of late — Enzo Fernandez — even had his name sung.
—
Simon Johnson, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
But the meagreness of the world befits its protagonists, both of whom become stuck in certain phases after failing to come to grips with their formative traumas.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Rosenthal has also been at the center of script development and secured music rights to both Simon’s work and that of iconic African artists, including the film’s protagonists, Masekela and Makeba.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
Wade and James, the protagonists of Leaving Neverland, have never made a cent from their accusations.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Sam plays more of a secondary role than those dual protagonists, but his character arc is still compelling.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Besotted Rob’s surprise plan was to propose to Bethany in Paris — as revealed to us in omnipotent voice-over (by Jacek Zubiel) that fills in the feelings and backstories of our protagonists.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
The latter faces more corruption up front, but both protagonists deal with their fair share of misfortune, growing up all too fast as a result.
—David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026
The stories in this collection, whose protagonists are women and girls of Hawaiian and Japanese ancestry, are both otherworldly and rooted in the bodily experiences of its characters.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026
Simon Johnson, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
But the meagreness of the world befits its protagonists, both of whom become stuck in certain phases after failing to come to grips with their formative traumas.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Rosenthal has also been at the center of script development and secured music rights to both Simon’s work and that of iconic African artists, including the film’s protagonists, Masekela and Makeba.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
Wade and James, the protagonists of Leaving Neverland, have never made a cent from their accusations.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Sam plays more of a secondary role than those dual protagonists, but his character arc is still compelling.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Besotted Rob’s surprise plan was to propose to Bethany in Paris — as revealed to us in omnipotent voice-over (by Jacek Zubiel) that fills in the feelings and backstories of our protagonists.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
The latter faces more corruption up front, but both protagonists deal with their fair share of misfortune, growing up all too fast as a result.
—David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026
The stories in this collection, whose protagonists are women and girls of Hawaiian and Japanese ancestry, are both otherworldly and rooted in the bodily experiences of its characters.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protagonists
Noun
-
And though conservatives alone did not create this state of affairs, many were key proponents of a vision of politics centered on one commanding figure—a vision that is now destabilizing our country.—
Gregg Nunziata,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Earlier this month, the lawmakers and groups opposed to Restore Our Roads sent letters urging proponents to withdraw the initiative.—
Bruce Finley,
Denver Post,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Whitecaps rally Outside the FIFA Congress was a small rally of about 100 supporters of the Vancouver Whitecaps, protesting the possible relocation of the Major League Soccer team.—
Anne M. Peterson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
Family members, coaches, friends and other supporters of the finalists and scholarship program are welcome to request a ticket to attend.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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And advocates can challenge the EPA’s decision-making.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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But advocates for the workers say foreign worker status, and Israel’s increasing reliance on foreign workers, creates conditions that are ripe for abuse.—
Theia Chatelle,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
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Algebraic geometry is the study of shapes defined by polynomial equations like x3 + 2x2y + xz = 5, which involve a sum of variables raised to whole-number exponents.—
Konstantin Kakaes,
Quanta Magazine,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Indeed, the World Bank was one of the main promoters of this argument.—
Hettie O'Brien,
The Dial,
21 Apr. 2026
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After the first few dates, promoters were rethinking the billing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protagonists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protagonists. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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