screenplay

noun

ˈskrēn-ˌplā How to pronounce screenplay (audio)
Definition of screenplaynext
as in script
the written form of a story prepared for film production each actor will be given a copy of the screenplay to study

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 screenplay Brewer wrote the latest draft of the screenplay, which was initially penned by Joe Robert Cole, and the film will incorporate music from Snoop’s catalog. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 20 Aug. 2026 The album’s emotional logic is closer to a dream than a screenplay. — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 The screenplay was written by Luna, Abia Castillo and Diego Rabasa. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026 Henry Fonda and Hepburn won leading acting honors, and the film won for screenplay, which Ernest Thompson adapted from his play of the same name. — Beth Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for screenplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screenplay
script
Noun
  • Crouch performs alongside a different second actor at every show, none of whom read or rehearse the script in advance.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In a 2021 interview with Sheen Magazine, Wright revealed that the part had originally been written with Denzel Washington in mind, but a chance encounter with Townsend, who directed the film and co-wrote its script, changed the course of his career.
    — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of script

Browse Nearby Words

screen (off)
screenplay
screenplays
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Cite this Entry

“Screenplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screenplay. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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