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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 In addition to Pitt, Cliff Booth also stars Scott Caan, Elizabeth Debicki, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Peter Weller, Carla Gugino, Holt McCallany and JB Tadena, while Timothy Olyphant reprises his Hollywood role of real-life Western actor James Stacy. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026 Gerber, a model and the older brother of model and actor Kaia Gerber, had been open about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, chronicling his journey on Instagram. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026 To sort of have that guarantee that people really care about something is really comforting as an actor and really exciting. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026 His work on the show earned him two Golden Globe nominations for best actor. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 21 Sep. 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
  • Among the only areas AI isn’t used is on content featuring real-life talent such as Zalando brand ambassador, actress Lily Collins, Haase noted.
    — Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Lamas’ post comes nearly six months after a friend of Locklear’s confirmed to PEOPLE that the actress was dating the Falcon Crest star.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of actress
Noun
  • The applicants had wanted to hold the march in the afternoon with 60 participants.
    — Amanda Ferguson Reuters, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Some participants were handed carry-on and checked baggage for the trial.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of participant
Noun
  • Two-time Grammy-winning superstar Carpenter most recently received her first Primetime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) category recognizing her work as an EP and performer on The Muppet Show.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Cage had meant his organ piece to enjoy the indeterminacy of neither the performer nor the audience knowing how long the score, in eight parts, would last.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of performer
Noun
  • A lot of the players’ gambits rely on chutzpah, humor, and projected self-assurance.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Howard senior Ta’Shawn Poole made history in preseason as the first Macon player to be named an AJC Super 11 since the honor was first accorded in 1985.
    — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of player
Noun
  • If a ticket is purchased to listen to an entertainer sing songs, that does not extend to wanting to hear the entertainer share personal political or religious beliefs.
    — Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2026
  • According to his official biography, Humperdinck has sold more than 140 million records worldwide throughout his career, received four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe for entertainer of the year and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
    — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 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 27 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on actor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about actor

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