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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of protean
As the party’s protean policy evolves, Smith and his colleagues are tasked with systematically destroying any historical records that conflict with the current version of history.
—
Laura Beers, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2025
Mastro’s and Zhou’s books could hardly be more different, but both authors’ perspectives shed light on the still protean multipolar world that is being shaped by the competition between Washington and Beijing.
—Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
The causes of our constitutional disarray are protean.
—Janice Rogers Brown, National Review, 22 June 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for protean
Laura Beers, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2025
Mastro’s and Zhou’s books could hardly be more different, but both authors’ perspectives shed light on the still protean multipolar world that is being shaped by the competition between Washington and Beijing.
—Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
The causes of our constitutional disarray are protean.
—Janice Rogers Brown, National Review, 22 June 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for protean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protean
Adjective
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These versatile salves might serve to treat a burn, as a facial cosmetic, or as a hair conditioner in a pinch.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
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Of course not, as Butler’s blend of savvy scoring, versatile defense and underrated playmaking make up a rare package few possess.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Invasive mussels are a very adaptable species, said Doug Jensen, aquatic invasive species planner at Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
20 Jan. 2026
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This nourishing soup is creamy, cheap, and endlessly adaptable—and only takes one pot to make.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
19 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protean. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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