columnist

noun

Definition of columnistnext
as in writer
a person who writes a newspaper or magazine column The columnist is known to take provocative positions that often shape the opinions of her readers. a gossip columnist

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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 columnist Trudy Rubin is a columnist and editorial-board member for the Philadelphia Inquirer. — Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 18 Aug. 2026 Positions like assistant sports editor and columnist are harder to assess. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 In July, Bilton welcomed Ross Douthat, the conservative New York Times columnist, along with author Sebastian Junger, new CBS News correspondent Trevor Phillips and filmmaker Gianna Toboni to the show’s ranks. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026 The Star’s writers and columnists are keeping an eye on these four players during the game. — Emily Curiel, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for columnist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for columnist
  1. writer
  2. reporter
  3. author
  4. journalist
  5. novelist
Noun
  • Neither group showed higher-than-normal death rates from cancers that aren't tied to radiation exposure, noted the commentary writers, Catherine Olsen and Ken Karipidis.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Sometimes the cure for writer’s block is just having something to react to, and ChatGPT is always there to provide fodder.
    — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of writer
Noun
  • Maury Povich has lived many lives — radio news reporter, anchorman, talk show host, podcast entrepreneur, husband of Connie Chung.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026
  • People hearing those stories—attorneys, reporters, healthcare workers or friends—may expect a clearer, linear narrative.
    — Michele Patterson Ford, Scientific American, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of reporter
Noun
  • Brown is the author of two bestselling books about the British royal family.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Still, the authors specifically caution that gestational hypertension is probably underreported because health conditions are often underreported on birth certificates.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of author
Noun
  • The deportees were clad in white, and many covered their faces out of safety as journalists filmed their arrival.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Critics of the proposal pointed to the fact that Mexico is already one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists; nine were killed last year.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of journalist
Noun
  • First-time novelist Brazeal is no stranger to Silicon Valley.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Isabelle Huppert and Virginie Efira led Farhadi’s French-language Parallel Tales, a film about Sylvie (Huppert), a fading novelist in search of inspiration for her next book, who starts spying on her neighbors across the street.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of novelist

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Cite this Entry

“Columnist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/columnist. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on columnist

Nglish: Translation of columnist for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about columnist

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