Protagonist — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /prō-ˈta-gə-nist/ pro·tag·o·nist

Meaning & Definition of Protagonist

Protagonist (noun)

  1. the principal character in a literary work (such as a drama or story)
  2. the leading actor or principal character in a television show, movie, book, etc.
  3. an active participant in an event

Protagonist (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person who actively supports or favors a cause

    "Milton Friedman is usually cited as the leading American protagonist of monetarism"

    similar: advocate, advocator, apostle, backer, booster, champion, espouser, exponent, expounder, friend, gospeler, herald, hierophant, high priest, paladin, promoter, proponent, supporter, true believer, tub-thumper, white knight
    related: loyalist, partisan, stalwart, adherent, cohort, disciple, follower, interpreter, applauder, cheerleader, encourager, fellow traveler
    opposite: adversary, antagonist, opponent
    near: enemy, foe, rival, belittler, critic, faultfinder

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Protagonist

The most common words with a similar meaning to Protagonist:

advocate, advocator, apostle, backer, booster, champion, espouser, exponent, expounder, friend, gospeler, herald, hierophant, high priest, paladin, promoter, proponent, supporter, true believer, tub-thumper, white knight

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Protagonist

Words with the opposite meaning of Protagonist:

adversary, antagonist, opponent

Related Words for Protagonist

loyalist, partisan, stalwart, adherent, cohort, disciple, follower, interpreter, applauder, cheerleader, encourager, fellow traveler

Near Antonyms of Protagonist

enemy, foe, rival, belittler, critic, faultfinder

Origin & Etymology of Protagonist

Greek prōtagōnistēs, from prōt- prot- + agōnistēs competitor at games, actor, from agōnizesthai to compete, from agōn contest, competition at games agony

First known use: 1671

Frequently Asked Questions about Protagonist

What does "Protagonist" mean?

"Protagonist" means the principal character in a literary work (such as a drama or story). As a noun, it is defined as: the principal character in a literary work (such as a drama or story).

What is another word for "Protagonist"?

Other words for "Protagonist" include advocate, advocator, apostle, backer, booster, champion, espouser and exponent. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Protagonist" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Protagonist"?

There are 33 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Protagonist". Common alternatives include advocate, advocator, apostle, backer, booster, champion, espouser, exponent, expounder and friend.

What is the opposite of "Protagonist"?

Antonyms of "Protagonist" include adversary, antagonist and opponent. Near antonyms include enemy, foe, rival and belittler.

How do you use "Protagonist" in a sentence?

Examples of "Protagonist" in a sentence: "Milton Friedman is usually cited as the leading American protagonist of monetarism".

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

"Protagonist" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Protagonist"?

"Protagonist" is pronounced /prō-ˈta-gə-nist/ and divided into syllables as pro·tag·o·nist.

What is the origin of the word "Protagonist"?

"Protagonist" comes from Greek prōtagōnistēs, from prōt- prot- + agōnistēs competitor at games, actor, from agōnizesthai to compete, from agōn contest, competition at games agony. First known use: 1671.