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
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
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.
—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
Even assessments of subjectivity are protean and...subjective!
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2013
See All Example Sentences for protean
Sarah L. Kaufman, Washington Post, 1 Dec. 2022
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.
—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
Even assessments of subjectivity are protean and...subjective!
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2013
See All Example Sentences for protean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protean
Adjective
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The 6-9 forward is a McDonald’s All-American and Gatorade player of the year for Virginia with versatile skills.—
Aaron Beard,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2025
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Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle are two of the clubs credited with an interest in signing Acheampong, the versatile defender who made 12 first-team appearances for Chelsea across all competitions last season and started their 3-0 win over ES Tunis in the FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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Be adaptable, as your plans with friends and loved ones may change on a whim.—
Liz Simmons,
StyleCaster,
24 June 2025
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Native Americans also believed spiderwort to be a sign of strength and endurance, possibly because the plant is adaptable to different conditions, though not in my yard.—
Sheryl De Vore,
Chicago Tribune,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protean. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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