as in star
the person who has the most important role in a play, movie, or TV show
a headliner on variety shows in the early days of TV
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Recent Examples of headliner
Previous headliners included Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Prince, Bruce Springsteen and Rhianna.
—
ABC News, 14 May 2026
The veteran actor was still reeling from the electric response to her cameo appearance a few weeks earlier during headliner Sabrina Carpenter’s second weekend set at the popular music festival.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
This year’s Day 1 is the best of the three days in terms of headliners.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 13 May 2026
This year’s headliners definitely don’t disappoint—and limited tickets are still available.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for headliner
ABC News, 14 May 2026
The veteran actor was still reeling from the electric response to her cameo appearance a few weeks earlier during headliner Sabrina Carpenter’s second weekend set at the popular music festival.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
This year’s Day 1 is the best of the three days in terms of headliners.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 13 May 2026
This year’s headliners definitely don’t disappoint—and limited tickets are still available.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for headliner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headliner
Noun
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Bradley’s roster of clients was the A-list—and the B-list, too—of the era’s stars of musical theatre and revues.—
Brian Seibert,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
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That includes team executives Elton Brand and former Saint Joseph’s star and NBA veteran Jameer Nelson.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Noun
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McCray was indicted for manslaughter and principal to felony hazing, and Thurman was indicted for principal to felony hazing and three counts of obstruction of justice.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
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Duncan’s daughter attends a private high school that so reliably sends its students to Stanford that even its principal isn’t above committing a bit of fraud to insure her own daughter’s place there.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Headliner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headliner. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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