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
Mitchell said there are plenty of less visible local efforts to boost Memphis artists, such as promoters working to get them on tours with national headliners.
—
Chris Kenning, USA Today, 15 May 2026
For the first time ever, the World Cup final will host a Super Bowl-style halftime show, with megawatt headliners Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
—Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 14 May 2026
This year’s lineup includes 160 local bands, and national headliners with sizeable followings, including 54 Ultra, slenderbodies, Goldie Boutilier, Kaash Paige, Tommy Newport, Charlotte Sands, MAVI, Twin Shadow, King Mala, Deb Never, The Droptines and Bad Nerves.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 14 May 2026
In Mexico, opening ceremony headliners include Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
Previous headliners included Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Prince, Bruce Springsteen and Rhianna.
—ABC News, 14 May 2026
At this point, the heavy foot traffic will be charging toward Day 2 headliners Foo Fighters.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 13 May 2026
In addition to the headliners, the lineup for this year also includes Bad Religion, Courtney Barnett, Sugar, the Format, Tom Odell, and Men I Trust.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2026
This year’s headliners definitely don’t disappoint—and limited tickets are still available.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026
Chris Kenning, USA Today, 15 May 2026
For the first time ever, the World Cup final will host a Super Bowl-style halftime show, with megawatt headliners Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
—Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 14 May 2026
This year’s lineup includes 160 local bands, and national headliners with sizeable followings, including 54 Ultra, slenderbodies, Goldie Boutilier, Kaash Paige, Tommy Newport, Charlotte Sands, MAVI, Twin Shadow, King Mala, Deb Never, The Droptines and Bad Nerves.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 14 May 2026
In Mexico, opening ceremony headliners include Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
Previous headliners included Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Prince, Bruce Springsteen and Rhianna.
—ABC News, 14 May 2026
At this point, the heavy foot traffic will be charging toward Day 2 headliners Foo Fighters.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 13 May 2026
In addition to the headliners, the lineup for this year also includes Bad Religion, Courtney Barnett, Sugar, the Format, Tom Odell, and Men I Trust.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2026
This year’s headliners definitely don’t disappoint—and limited tickets are still available.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headliners
Noun
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Today’s Hollywood stars — Taylor Russell, Greta Lee, Anya Taylor-Joy, Alison Oliver, Jisoo, Maude Apatow, Jeff Goldblum, Sabrina Carpenter, to name a few — were in attendance.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
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The Ducks have high-ceiling youngsters blossoming into stars who should be the nucleus of future playoff teams.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Noun
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With just state money at the current funding level, according to Wednesday’s presentation, CMS could only afford 89% of its teachers, 46% of its assistant principals, 60% of its instructional support positions and 58% of its clerical and custodial staff.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2026
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Most schools with under 250 students will also lose funding for assistant principals.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Headliners.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headliners. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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