1
as in performers
one who acts professionally (as in a play, movie, or television show)
my sister went to drama school to become an actor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in participants
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of actors
There are at least three potential James Bonds among these actors, and each displays his own brand of curt, strapping charm.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026
Organizers said the list of film and entertainment industry union members, actors, and directors includes more than 75 Oscar winners and nominees.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
More than 4,000 Hollywood directors, actors, writers and others in the industry signed an open letter opposing the merger.
—Mandalit Del Barco, NPR, 23 Apr. 2026
In total, the productions are expected to employ more than 5,300 cast and crew members, more than 20,800 background actors and generate nearly $800 million in economic activity throughout the state.
—Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
More than 4,000 people, including actors Joaquin Phoenix, Glenn Close and Bryan Cranston, signed an open letter opposing the merger earlier this month.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
White and Sanders join a long list of actors who starred in the original series.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
There’s only a handful of actors like that around that can do that.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2026
Call Beverly Fish at Chezzam for out-of-the-box entertainment — think actors in rat costumes serving a cheese platter, says Mary Giuliani, founder of the MGCE catering company.
—The Editors, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026
Organizers said the list of film and entertainment industry union members, actors, and directors includes more than 75 Oscar winners and nominees.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
More than 4,000 Hollywood directors, actors, writers and others in the industry signed an open letter opposing the merger.
—Mandalit Del Barco, NPR, 23 Apr. 2026
In total, the productions are expected to employ more than 5,300 cast and crew members, more than 20,800 background actors and generate nearly $800 million in economic activity throughout the state.
—Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
More than 4,000 people, including actors Joaquin Phoenix, Glenn Close and Bryan Cranston, signed an open letter opposing the merger earlier this month.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
White and Sanders join a long list of actors who starred in the original series.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
There’s only a handful of actors like that around that can do that.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2026
Call Beverly Fish at Chezzam for out-of-the-box entertainment — think actors in rat costumes serving a cheese platter, says Mary Giuliani, founder of the MGCE catering company.
—The Editors, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for actors
Noun
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Alaska, Hawaiian are consistent performers The AQR also singled out Alaska Airlines as the steadiest performer in the industry.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But the message is simple from the firefighters and participants alike; when a wildfire starts, there won't be time to prepare, so now is the time to act.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
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Ukraine, which also returns to the Venice Biennale this year, has sanctioned five individuals associated with the Russian pavilion and has lobbied to have the participants’ visas revoked.—
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In March, the Oscars celebrated the Reiners’ legacy with a moving tribute, which featured appearances by many actors and actresses who’d worked with Rob.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2026
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The men in the cast – Ben Jacoby and Brent Thiessen – are suitably smarmy in their stick-thin roles, with the supporting adult actresses – Sarah Bockel and Lael Van Keuren – playing the mothers with caricature zeal.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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
Noun
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Fan-favorite players find ways to shine from the depths of the later rounds.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Laney College athletic director John Beam KPIX Beam, who was beloved by his players and alumni and who left a lasting mark on the community, was shot and killed on the Laney campus in November.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Returning cast members include Brooks, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, George Wynder and Daphne Zuniga with new thespians including Gad, Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman and Anthony Carrigan.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
3 Apr. 2026
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As he's made apparent many times before, Brian Cox is not afraid to share his opinion of his fellow thespians.—
Leigh Blickley,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Actors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/actors. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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