Synonyms for

Antagonist

Verb / æˈntægʌnʌst / Another word for antagonist — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

An antagonist is a person or thing that opposes or goes against the main character or protagonist in a story or movie.

Synonyms & similar words

opposer opponent adversary agonist resister synergist opponent adversary rival enemy foe challenger competitor villain counterpart obstructer foeman opposer resister contrarian dissident objector protester negativist troublemaker

Synonyms by register

Formal

opponent adversary rival foe

Informal

enemy nemesis bad guy villain

Literary

bane scourge

Antonyms

protagonist hero ally supporter friend advocate champion

Common collocations

  • main antagonist
  • primary antagonist
  • arch antagonist
  • unlikely antagonist
  • natural antagonist
  • role of antagonist
  • play the antagonist

Word family

noun antagonism
verb antagonize
adjective antagonistic
adverb antagonistically

Usage note

An antagonist is typically the character or force opposing the protagonist in a story. While often a villain, the antagonist can also be a neutral force or even a misguided hero.

Example sentences

  1. The antagonist in the story was always causing problems for the hero.
  2. The antagonist was trying to steal the treasure from the hero.
  3. The antagonist was jealous of the protagonist's success.
  4. The antagonist was a dangerous criminal who needed to be stopped.
  5. The antagonist had a plan to take over the world.

Quotes

  • The antagonist is always the hero of his own story. - George R.R. Martin
  • The villain is the hero of his own story. - Tom Hiddleston
  • The villain is the person who knows the most but cares the least. - Chuck Palahniuk

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