minstrel

noun

ˈmin(t)-strəl How to pronounce minstrel (audio)
Definition of minstrelnext
as in poet
a person who writes poetry Edna St. Vincent Millay was unofficially the minstrel of Maine, as her poetry celebrates its coast and countryside

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 minstrel The costume and the posture of the model in the photo drew comparisons online to images of the racist theatrical character Jim Crow, a staple in blackface minstrel shows, which dehumanized Black people. — Star Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Target is apologizing for selling a children's Halloween costume that some described as reminiscent of racist minstrel caricatures. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 After facing criticism for selling a children’s circus clown Halloween costume that critics claimed evoked blackface and minstrel shows, Target has publicly apologized. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026 In minstrel shows, white performers wore Black face and mocked Black people for entertainment. — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for minstrel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minstrel
poet
Noun
  • Palestinian, Kashmiri and Indian poets are interwoven throughout, framing the film as a meditation on remembering what has been erased from home and pushing back once staying quiet stops being an option.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Robin Morgan, a wholesome child star of the 1940s and ‘50s who grew up to become an all-American radical as a poet, essayist, editor and second-wave feminist, has died.
    — Hillel Italie, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of poet

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minstrel
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Cite this Entry

“Minstrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minstrel. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on minstrel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about minstrel

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