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
The media frenzy about GLP-1 agonists hadn't yet started.
—
Mara Gordon, NPR, 24 Apr. 2025
Americans have struggled to afford the blockbuster class of weight loss medications called GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, receptor agonists.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Researchers are investigating several GLP-1 agonists for MASH treatment.
—Sarah Hudgens, Health, 16 Mar. 2025
The family of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists includes drugs like Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro and Victoza.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agonist
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Mara Gordon, NPR, 24 Apr. 2025
Americans have struggled to afford the blockbuster class of weight loss medications called GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, receptor agonists.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Researchers are investigating several GLP-1 agonists for MASH treatment.
—Sarah Hudgens, Health, 16 Mar. 2025
The family of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists includes drugs like Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro and Victoza.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 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 9 May. 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
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