protagonist

noun

prō-ˈta-gə-nist How to pronounce protagonist (audio)
Definition of protagonistnext
as in proponent
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

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 protagonist Then, the film cuts to show our protagonist’s hand hovering in front of a slide projector displaying a plot of cheap land in South Carolina where nuclear weapons were developed during the Cold War. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026 As the cocktail of chemicals builds, our protagonist, Steve, is forced to make unconscionable choices. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026 There’s some awkwardness, and our protagonist makes to leave. — Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026 Like his protagonist, Bill, the first-time filmmaker — also a famed author, journalist and podcaster in his native Sweden — chaperoned a school trip to the Stockholm Archipelago in a bid to reconnect with his daughter. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for protagonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protagonist
  1. proponent
  2. advocate
  3. supporter
  4. advocator
  5. exponent
  6. friend
Noun
  • On the other side of the campaign, John Adams was labeled by Jefferson's proponents as a monarchist with aspirations to become king of the new United States.
    — Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Curiously, few of these proponents ever mention the New York Mets and their spending.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • As the second Cunningham rally raged outside the Moda Center, once again pitting women's sports advocates against pro-trans counter-protesters, WNBA coaches faced consequential questioning inside.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • So would Hilton at least be an advocate for undocumented immigrants?
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of advocate
Noun
  • Other supporters argue that adding the ban to the Missouri Constitution would strengthen it.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Two vocal supporters of Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Xavier Becerra filed a formal campaign finance complaint against his rival, Steve Hilton, on Tuesday over the Republican campaign’s use of paid online promoters.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of supporter
Noun
  • In the leadership and care phase, your role is that of an advocator.
    — Rodney C. Adkins, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
Definition of advocator
Noun
  • Of course, there are also age-old hustles so evidently dishonest that there was a time when their exponents risked being hung or shot.
    — Kit Chellel, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Daniel Munoz, formerly with Glasner at Palace, is a key exponent of this.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of exponent
Noun
  • The service The service at Sala is seamless and friendly, and from arrival, the front desk staff feels more like a group of friends than a removed set of hotel employees.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Diana can be heard in revealing form in the tapes, which were conversations recorded with her friend James Colthurst in 1991.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of friend

Browse Nearby Words

prosy
protagonist
protagonists
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Cite this Entry

“Protagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protagonist. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on protagonist

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about protagonist

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