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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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 Though no official synopsis is yet available, Just One More Chapter centers on protagonist Grace and her interactions with the Bishop family. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 Inspired by Doc Ford, the protagonist of author Randy Wayne White’s extensive novel series by the same name, this restaurant and bar is a longtime favorite in the area. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2026 The protagonist is legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, depicted as a young samurai who arrives in Kyoto determined to prove his superiority with the blade. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Thoroughly unimpressed by her suburban idyll, and evidently unmoved by her responsibilities as wife and mother, Denise labors in her basement on a novel whose protagonist wishes to forsake her family for a life in New York. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 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
  • The mere existence of such a network, proponents say, would give would-be criminals pause, knowing there’s nowhere to run without being watched.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The memo is a bit surprising considering Gates still advises Microsoft, one of the major proponents of the technology, and an investor in OpenAI.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • So are 44 of 50 state attorneys general, dozens of Indian tribes, consumer advocates, addiction experts, and an increasingly bipartisan contingent on Capitol Hill.
    — Marshall Cohen, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Satish Thiagarjan, founder and CEO of Brysa, advocates using a scoring system rather than relying on instinct.
    — Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of advocate
Noun
  • His supporters say the condemnation is merely a sign of Crump’s skill.
    — Ryan Young, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Among those younger supporters is Matt Kelly, president of the UMass Lowell College Democrats.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 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
  • His mind didn’t go blank; rather, all the what-ifs multiplied like exponents, crowding his thoughts and rendering him unable to envision anything else.
    — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
  • Often categorized along with Bellow and Bernard Malamud as exponents of a particularly Jewish-American sensibility, all three were additionally masters of the American voice.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 June 2026
Definition of exponent
Noun
  • Her Steel Magnolias costars Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine and Sally Field also penned emotional tributes, as well as her friends Jane Fonda, Carol Burnett and Billy Ray Cyrus.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The first is something Panthea Parker, a headache become corporeal, brings up at a jewelry event hosted by her friend Queenie.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of friend

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protagonist
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Cite this Entry

“Protagonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protagonist. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on protagonist

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about protagonist

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