protean

adjective

ˈprō-tē-ən How to pronounce protean (audio)
Definition of proteannext
as in versatile
able to do many different kinds of things a protean actor who is equally comfortable with light comedy and serious drama

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of protean That preternaturally projecting voice and strangely protean accent. — Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026 His beliefs and artistic inclinations were protean and often contradictory. — Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Davis spent his career sounding the depths of his protean creativity. — Helena Alonso Paisley, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2025 Adding to the otherworldly ambience is the shifting jazz-folk score by Mary Komasa and Antoni Łazarkiewicz, which, like our hero, is similarly protean in nature. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protean
  1. versatile
  2. adaptable
Adjective
  • In 2025, the first chime of bells from a mountain pavilion at dawn, accompanied by a gentle morning greeting, creates a space where each collection is experienced independently and explores the versatile expressions of Songmont’s design language.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • No team had ever made the playoffs after back-to-back 100-loss seasons, so to make it after three in a row was unthinkable, especially after one of their versatile pitchers was sidelined in spring training.
    — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of versatile
Adjective
  • That modular approach is intended to keep ROMULUS adaptable as the Navy’s requirements and operating environments evolve.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Without structured organizational support, even the most capable and adaptable employees will face limits.
    — Christine Muldoon, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of adaptable

Browse Nearby Words

protagonists
protean
protect
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Cite this Entry

“Protean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protean. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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