as in actor
one who acts professionally (as in a play, movie, or television show)
although she's "acted" in a couple of horror movies, I'd hardly call her one of our more promising thespians
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 thespian
For the last full week of June, the thespians have taken over.
—
Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Even Izzard’s brief epilogue, charmingly dedicating the performance to a fellow thespian, crackles with more verve than the most famous of soliloquies.
—Karen D'souza, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025
During a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Chestnut was asked about his thoughts on LeBron James, prompting the thespian to predict that popular opinion will eventually favor James over Jordan in the near future.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 24 Mar. 2025
The iconic young thespian, and burgeoning singer/rapper, is back for his third stint hosting.
—Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thespian
Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Even Izzard’s brief epilogue, charmingly dedicating the performance to a fellow thespian, crackles with more verve than the most famous of soliloquies.
—Karen D'souza, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025
During a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Chestnut was asked about his thoughts on LeBron James, prompting the thespian to predict that popular opinion will eventually favor James over Jordan in the near future.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 24 Mar. 2025
The iconic young thespian, and burgeoning singer/rapper, is back for his third stint hosting.
—Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 26 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thespian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thespian
Noun
-
With Italian actor Riccardo Scamarcio providing a cheeky voiceover, the short film reimagines the user manual as a tongue-in-cheek guide to effortless espresso making.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Morissette was the creative brains of the organization; Silverman was the lead actor.—
Carlton Reid,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Here, played by the black actress Karen Bryson, the character is all brains and sass.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The actress stepped out in New York City wearing a pair of retro-inspired, deep blue flare jeans with exaggerated bell hems.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Between December and February, Spence was Tottenham’s most reliable performer.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Hers is a supporting but impactful role, with Straus navigating the weight of portraying the daughter of a recovering alcoholic and aspiring performer.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thespian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thespian. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share