agonist
noun
ag·o·nist
ˈa-gə-nist 
1
: one that is engaged in a struggle
2
[from antagonist]
a
: a muscle that is controlled by the action of an antagonist with which it is paired
b
: a chemical substance capable of combining with a specific receptor on a cell and initiating the same reaction or activity typically produced by the binding endogenous substance
dopaminergic agonists
compare antagonist sense 2b
Examples of agonist in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Methadone is a full opioid agonist while buprenorphine is a partial one.
—
Kate Bolduan, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025
Every gummy on the market contains a different blend of ingredients, but common ingredients include apple cider vinegar (ACV), B vitamins, and now, a compounded form of semaglutide (a GLP-1 agonist).
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists mimic the effects of a natural hormone that stimulates insulin production.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Feb. 2025
This dual mechanism further amplifies insulin secretion, curbs hunger and enhances energy balance more effectively than GLP-1 agonists alone.
—Kailey Asetov, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agonist
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.
Kate Bolduan, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025
Every gummy on the market contains a different blend of ingredients, but common ingredients include apple cider vinegar (ACV), B vitamins, and now, a compounded form of semaglutide (a GLP-1 agonist).
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists mimic the effects of a natural hormone that stimulates insulin production.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Feb. 2025
This dual mechanism further amplifies insulin secretion, curbs hunger and enhances energy balance more effectively than GLP-1 agonists alone.
—Kailey Asetov, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agonist
Cite this Entry
“Agonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agonist. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
agonist
noun
ag·o·nist
ˈag-ə-nəst
1
: a muscle that on contracting is automatically checked and controlled by the opposing simultaneous contraction of another muscle
called also agonist muscle, prime mover
compare antagonist sense a, synergist sense 22
: a chemical substance (as a drug) capable of combining with a receptor on a cell and initiating the same reaction or activity typically produced by the binding of an endogenous substance
binding of adrenergic agonists
compare antagonist sense b
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share