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 Ahead of the premiere’s conclusion, Variety exclusively reported that Neon’s awards campaign for the film will include Garfield and Rylance competing in the supporting actor category and Borisov campaigning in lead actor. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026 Yet for the actors, musicians, and athletes stepping into a recording booth, the process of making an audio memoir can be draining. — Brian Raftery, Vanity Fair, 6 Oct. 2026 The recipes parallel Wen's evolution from immigrant kid helping out at her parents' restaurant to working actor cooking for her own children. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 The Madhouse on Castle Street was not much of a play; and Dylan, whatever his natural comedic talents, was even less of an actor. — Sean Wilentz, Rolling Stone, 6 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 13 Oct. 2026.

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