actor

noun

ˈak-tər How to pronounce actor (audio)
Definition of actornext
1
as in actress
one who acts professionally (as in a play, movie, or television show) my sister went to drama school to become an actor

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in participant
one who takes part in something Benjamin Franklin was a major actor in many of the events leading up to the founding of our nation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 actor As an actor, Yang is known for roles in HBO’s Silicon Valley, Crazy Rich Asians and Hulu’s Interior Chinatown. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026 The actor told Fox News Digital what still excites him about his character, Dwight Manfredi. — Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Robach, 53, was previously married to Melrose Place actor Andrew Shue, and Holmes to attorney Marilee Fiebig. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026 Jackson had filmed actor Bill Irwin experimenting with the character while the team was still considering extensive prosthetics. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for actor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actor
  1. actress
  2. participant
  3. performer
  4. player
  5. entertainer
  6. participator
  7. thespian
Noun
  • Previous recipients have included Korean production designer Ryu Seong-hie (Decision To Leave) and Taiwanese filmmaker and actress Sylvia Chang (Love Education, Daughter’s Daughter).
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
  • French actress Alexandra Lamy and Brühl were among those dancing on their chairs.
    — Lise Pedersen, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of actress
Noun
  • Even though the narrative is sci-fi/horror-oriented, and participants are promised an actual alien encounter.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Kjærvik said calming exercises, social support, group discussion, or other aspects of a retreat are more likely to explain why participants might feel calmer afterward than venting.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of participant
Noun
  • In his work preceding Good Time Charlie, Haddad has dealt in similar forms of autobiography, often as a solo performer.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • She will be joined by Gracie Abrams as the musical performer.
    — Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of performer
Noun
  • In theory, that makes sense, since coaches would have more players to choose from.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Part of the reason banks are such big players in that market is because of the requirements of the Community Reinvestment Act.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of player
Noun
  • The entertainer lived in the US until his dramatic split with the States during the Red Scare of the ’50s.
    — Michael Gioia, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Martin, whose career has spanned movies, comedy, television and music, received the IBMA’s entertainer of the year accolade in 2011.
    — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of entertainer
Noun
  • And in doing so, Gunther often lulls crowds into becoming sporting event spectators rather than the raucous participators that most other wrestlers try to draw out of them.
    — Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
Definition of participator
Noun
  • Marion Bailey, as Amy’s mother, has already emerged from Telluride as a standout, a veteran thespian never given her proper due.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Tim Curry, the shape-shifting English thespian whose entertainment career never failed to defy industry expectations, has died at 80 years old, according to reports from multiple outlets.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of thespian

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activity
actor
actorish
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Cite this Entry

“Actor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actor. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about actor

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