belletrist

variants also belle-lettrist
Definition of belletristnext

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 belletrist The philologists, unlike the belletrists, were methodical and systematic, and given to expounding those methods and systems in lengthy treatises. Evan Kindley, The New York Review of Books, 16 Feb. 2023 Harrison is almost the textbook example of a belletrist—someone who writes essays more for their aesthetic effect than anything else. Bill Heavey, WSJ, 16 Sep. 2022 Locke the glossy belletrist gave way to Locke the fellow-traveller, Locke the savvy champion of proletarian realism. Tobi Haslett, The New Yorker, 11 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belletrist
Noun
  • In addition, the finance writer said, homebuyers need to consider where a home is located.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
  • Nick Kosmider, The Athletic staff writer, Denver Broncos Your browser does not support the video tag.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • Clearly, by now — that is, 1835 — science had done enough to prove itself in the eyes of the litterateurs.
    Thomas Moynihan, Big Think, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The book was first published anonymously, and its authorship is consequently uncertain, though usually attributed to a minor poet and litterateur named Wu Cheng’en.
    Washington Post, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2021
Noun
  • Kerri comes from an improv background but is also a technical wordsmith.
    Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
  • But Fleming leaps past other wry wordsmiths with his constant, unrelenting effort to wring every last drop of laughter out of every single premise.
    John Roy, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Education experts said one possible response to such a scenario is for state legislatures that set licensing requirements to decide some occupations — like barbers and stylists — actually need less training.
    Francesca Pinney, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
  • As consumers increasingly seek authenticity and distinctive creative voices, independent jewellery houses are becoming ever-more attractive partners for musicians, stylists and creative directors looking to move beyond recognizable logos.
    Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • Having said his piece, Armand puts a pen and paper in Louis’s headless hand.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • Also included are an ink pen reminiscent of Vaani’s notebook from the film and two character bookmarks depicting Krish and Vaani.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 July 2026
Noun
  • At the time of the party, the biographer had not yet written a single biography.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2026
  • According to biographer William Shawcross, author of The Queen Mother, Elizabeth finally said yes in 1923.
    Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Madonna was stopped dead in her tracks by the strapping 30-year-old auteur of the nouvelle vague gangster movie Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, an eye-popping directorial debut.
    Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 5 July 2026
  • Creators Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest lend an auteur’s touch to the material, creating something that stands on its own while still bearing some of the MCU’s crowd pleasing flourishes.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Its design by Leonardo Fioravanti, the prolific penman who created, among other Ferrari masterpieces, the Dino and 308 GTB, was an instant hit.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Nov. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Belletrist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belletrist. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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