Antagonist — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /an-ˈta-gə-nist/ an·tag·o·nist

Meaning & Definition of Antagonist

Antagonist (noun)

  1. one that contends with or opposes another, adversary, opponent
  2. an agent of physiological antagonism
  3. a muscle that contracts with and limits the action of an agonist with which it is paired —called also antagonistic muscle

Antagonist (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one that is hostile toward another

    "please name the novel's hero and his antagonist"

    similar: adversary, enemy, foe, hostile, opponent
    related: archenemy, archfoe, nemesis, ill-wisher, bane, bête noire, assailant, attacker, combatant, invader, competitor, emulator, rival
    opposite: amigo, friend
    near: buddy, chum, compadre, crony, fellow, hail-fellow, hail-fellow-well-met, hearty, hobnobber, mate, musketeer, pal, abettor, accomplice, ally, collaborator, colleague, comrade, confederate, friendly, partner, adherent, disciple, follower, backer, benefactor, exponent, supporter, sympathizer, well-wisher

  2. one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict

    "his antagonist in the boxing match"

    similar: adversary, foe, opponent, rival
    related: equal, match, enemy, archenemy, nemesis, competitor, contestant, bane, bête noire, curse, assailant, attacker, combatant, invader
    near: accomplice, ally, confederate, partner, advocate, champion, exponent, proponent, supporter, sympathizer

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Antagonist

The most common words with a similar meaning to Antagonist:

adversary, enemy, foe, hostile, opponent, rival

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Antagonist

Words with the opposite meaning of Antagonist:

amigo, friend

Related Words for Antagonist

archenemy, archfoe, nemesis, ill-wisher, bane, bête noire, assailant, attacker, combatant, invader, competitor, emulator, equal, match, contestant, curse

Near Antonyms of Antagonist

buddy, chum, compadre, crony, fellow, hail-fellow, hail-fellow-well-met, hearty, hobnobber, mate, musketeer, pal, abettor, accomplice, ally, collaborator, colleague, comrade, confederate, friendly, partner, adherent, disciple, follower, backer, benefactor, exponent, supporter, sympathizer, well-wisher

Origin & Etymology of Antagonist

First known use: 1555

Frequently Asked Questions about Antagonist

What does "Antagonist" mean?

"Antagonist" means one that contends with or opposes another, adversary, opponent. As a noun, it is defined as: one that contends with or opposes another, adversary, opponent. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Antagonist"?

Other words for "Antagonist" include adversary, enemy, foe, hostile, opponent and rival. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Antagonist" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Antagonist"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Antagonist". Common alternatives include adversary, enemy, foe, hostile, opponent and rival.

What is the opposite of "Antagonist"?

Antonyms of "Antagonist" include amigo and friend. Near antonyms include buddy, chum, compadre and crony.

How do you use "Antagonist" in a sentence?

Examples of "Antagonist" in a sentence: "please name the novel's hero and his antagonist"; "his antagonist in the boxing match".

Is "Antagonist" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Antagonist" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Antagonist"?

"Antagonist" is pronounced /an-ˈta-gə-nist/ and divided into syllables as an·tag·o·nist.

What is the origin of the word "Antagonist"?

First known use: 1555.