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

And now a new study has found that GLP-1 agonist, tirzepatide, can help with overall weight loss, as well as reduce deep abdominal fat and improve key cardiometabolic markers. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 May 2025

The data creates a compelling financial case for employers to address obesity comprehensively through benefits strategies that include medication coverage for GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic, potentially turning short-term investments into long-term healthcare savings. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Of course, taking GLP-1 agonists is not without its potential drawbacks. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

The company has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Amgen Inc. for certain intellectual property rights related to TREM2 agonists. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin agōnista, borrowed from Greek agōnistḗs, from agōnízesthai "to contend, fight" + -istēs -ist entry 1 — more at agonize

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for agonist

• antagonist
• protagonist

Medical 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 2

2

: 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