as in versatile
able to do many different kinds of things
a protean actor who is equally comfortable with light comedy and serious drama
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Recent Examples of protean
From its opening of a cassette clicking into a deck, FKA Twigs’ 17-track mixtape takes us through a protean universe of dancehall, trap-flecked R&B, and dreamy pop that skirts the mainstream to stay inventive.
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Spin Staff, SPIN, 26 Dec. 2022
When not composing operas, orchestral works or chamber pieces, Tyshawn Sorey is a protean drummer and band leader.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Dec. 2022
Ballet Hispánico is at the top of its game here, and Lopez Ochoa displays the dancers’ silken, protean talents beautifully.
—Sarah L. Kaufman, Washington Post, 1 Dec. 2022
Humanity is a much more complex, protean planetary force than a meteorite strike or glacial retreat.
—Jan Zalasiewicz, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2016
See All Example Sentences for protean
Spin Staff, SPIN, 26 Dec. 2022
When not composing operas, orchestral works or chamber pieces, Tyshawn Sorey is a protean drummer and band leader.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Dec. 2022
Ballet Hispánico is at the top of its game here, and Lopez Ochoa displays the dancers’ silken, protean talents beautifully.
—Sarah L. Kaufman, Washington Post, 1 Dec. 2022
Humanity is a much more complex, protean planetary force than a meteorite strike or glacial retreat.
—Jan Zalasiewicz, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2016
See All Example Sentences for protean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protean
Adjective
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Helicopters are proven, versatile, and can fly for hours on a single tank of fuel.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Nov. 2025
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This versatile vest can be layered over workout gear, worn as loungewear, or paired with jeans for a cozy touch.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The team helps clients craft plans designed not only to endure but also to remain adaptable, so families won’t need to start over every time an advisor retires or a new market trend emerges.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
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So hopefully the technologies are easily adaptable from a conservation perspective.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protean. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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