as in stars
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 headliners
More than 80 musical acts — including headliners Foo Fighters, Backstreet Boys, Lorde, Teddy Swims, LCD Soundsystem and SOMBR — are set to take the stage at the Napa Valley Expo from May 22-24, according to a press release.
—
Melody Chiu, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy sets from BigXThaPlug, Chaka Khan, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Kool & the Gang, Del Water Gap, Tom Morello, Natasha Bedingfiled and more before each night’s headliners.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2026
Past Future of Music headliners have included Benson Boone, Peso Pluma, Rema, Young Miko, Megan Moroney, and Ivan Cornejo.
—Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2026
This year’s list of candidates previously lacked huge names like last year’s headliners, Mike Vrabel and Ben Johnson.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
The headliners will be joined by K-pop group Katseye; rock bands like Pierce the Veil, Geese, and Wet Leg; R&B stars Mariah the Scientist, Blood Orange, and Ravyn Lenae; and indie-pop faves Japanese Breakfast, King Princess, Audrey Hobert, and Rachel Chinouriri.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026
The headliners at the city amphitheater?
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 5 Jan. 2026
The main celebration takes place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, where headliners perform, and the iconic Music Note Drop happens at midnight Central Time.
—Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 31 Dec. 2025
Last year's Big Bash headliners included the likes of Keith Urban, Kane Brown and Jelly Roll.
—Caché McClay, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Dec. 2025
Melody Chiu, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy sets from BigXThaPlug, Chaka Khan, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Kool & the Gang, Del Water Gap, Tom Morello, Natasha Bedingfiled and more before each night’s headliners.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2026
Past Future of Music headliners have included Benson Boone, Peso Pluma, Rema, Young Miko, Megan Moroney, and Ivan Cornejo.
—Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2026
This year’s list of candidates previously lacked huge names like last year’s headliners, Mike Vrabel and Ben Johnson.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
The headliners will be joined by K-pop group Katseye; rock bands like Pierce the Veil, Geese, and Wet Leg; R&B stars Mariah the Scientist, Blood Orange, and Ravyn Lenae; and indie-pop faves Japanese Breakfast, King Princess, Audrey Hobert, and Rachel Chinouriri.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026
The headliners at the city amphitheater?
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 5 Jan. 2026
The main celebration takes place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, where headliners perform, and the iconic Music Note Drop happens at midnight Central Time.
—Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 31 Dec. 2025
Last year's Big Bash headliners included the likes of Keith Urban, Kane Brown and Jelly Roll.
—Caché McClay, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headliners
Noun
-
Though the series has been a hit for Netflix and made stars of its cast, rumors of tension, conflict, and discord have followed the cast.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Jan. 2026
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The unique treehouses couldn't be more romantic—lit by lanterns, candles, the stars and the moon.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This ambiguity leaves room for problematic practices such as the principals paying all members of one generation the same amount regardless of their duties, Gilbert said.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
22 Jan. 2026
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Elementary school principals will start at $130,000 and middle school principals at $145,000.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Headliners.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headliners. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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