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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This deal from Walmart is offering the R5 Mark II with a versatile RF 24-105mm f/4 lens for just $4925, a huge $574 saving on the retail price.—
Harry Bennett,
Space.com,
30 Sep. 2025
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The watchmaker’s award-winning flying tourbillon caliber UN-176 (visible at 6 o’clock) also showcases silicon, with the anchor, escapement, and balance spring all crafted from the versatile material.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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By sidestepping the fragile transfer process and enabling direct fabrication on liquid, Xu’s method could transform how scientists design lightweight, adaptable technologies across multiple fields.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
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The body is incredibly adaptable in both directions, good and bad.—
Bryant Stamford,
Louisville Courier Journal,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protean. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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