as in writers
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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Recent Examples of columnists
In these essays, our columnists follow their curiosity, and explore important but not necessarily answerable scientific questions.
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Quanta Magazine,
15 June 2026
Some of Hollywood’s most theatrical scandals were efficiently contained by press agents who nurtured their clout with cops and columnists alike.
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Peter Bart,
Deadline,
4 June 2026
The two are former columnists at The New York Times, and neither had broadcast television experience before arriving at CBS.
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Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
2 June 2026
Walters is a columnists for CalMatters.
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Dan Walters,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 June 2026
Local residents and columnists have called for improvements, and the issue has drawn attention as the World Cup nears.
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Taylor Haught,
Kansas City Star,
29 Apr. 2026
The Sun’s five-member editorial board consists of Jensen, publisher Trif Alatzas, opinion editor Philip Caldwell, and columnists Torrey Snow and Julian Baron.
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Lily Carey,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2026
The book centers on four gossip columnists — one male, James, and three women — drawn from Shuter’s years in the trade, including his stint as a host on VH1’s The Gossip Table.
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Merle Ginsberg,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2026
Some newspapers run columnists whose voices support and reinforce the philosophy of the publishers; some run columnists that differ with them politically, philosophically, or both, to provide readers a choice of benchmarks against which to measure their own views.
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Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 Apr. 2026
Quanta Magazine,
15 June 2026
Some of Hollywood’s most theatrical scandals were efficiently contained by press agents who nurtured their clout with cops and columnists alike.
—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
4 June 2026
The two are former columnists at The New York Times, and neither had broadcast television experience before arriving at CBS.
—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
2 June 2026
Walters is a columnists for CalMatters.
—
Dan Walters,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 June 2026
Local residents and columnists have called for improvements, and the issue has drawn attention as the World Cup nears.
—
Taylor Haught,
Kansas City Star,
29 Apr. 2026
The Sun’s five-member editorial board consists of Jensen, publisher Trif Alatzas, opinion editor Philip Caldwell, and columnists Torrey Snow and Julian Baron.
—
Lily Carey,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2026
The book centers on four gossip columnists — one male, James, and three women — drawn from Shuter’s years in the trade, including his stint as a host on VH1’s The Gossip Table.
—
Merle Ginsberg,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2026
Some newspapers run columnists whose voices support and reinforce the philosophy of the publishers; some run columnists that differ with them politically, philosophically, or both, to provide readers a choice of benchmarks against which to measure their own views.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for columnists
Noun
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His foray into fiction coincided with the writers’ strike, drying up all his income and future projects.
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Every article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of financial products.
Noun
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The report's authors said the case highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation after any direct contact with a bat, even if there is no visible bite or scratch.
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The Brookings authors estimated AI productivity could add around $60 billion to the costs of servicing the federal debt by 2036.
Noun
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Before the critical week arrived, co-general managers Jon Wallace and Ben Tenzer spoke to reporters after the draft.
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There’s a lyric where reporters are wondering why Mullally’s Vera Vim, a fading actress, bought a caveman.
Noun
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The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
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The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
Cite this Entry
“Columnists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/columnists. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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