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
In theory selection may lead to a world of green-beards with infinite population sizes and generations, and persistent and consistent selection, but the world may be too protean for this optimal equilibrium to ever arise.
—
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2010
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
See All Example Sentences for protean
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2010
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
See All Example Sentences for protean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protean
Adjective
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Read on for more comfy and versatile yoga pants travelers love, all on sale at Amazon for as little as $15.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
10 July 2025
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Seasoned gardeners and beginners alike gave this garden bed high marks for its durability, versatile size, and ideal height.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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This shirt dress can easily be worn to a beachside dinner or as a poolside coverup, and shoppers love it for its smooth, breezy material, adaptable style, and relaxed yet stylish fit.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 July 2025
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Instead, the future of the energy sector will be defined by adaptable innovation.—
Vaishali Nigam Sinha,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protean. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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