as in actor
one who acts professionally (as in a play, movie, or television show)
although she's "acted" in a couple of horror movies, I'd hardly call her one of our more promising thespians
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Recent Examples of thespian
In director Noah Baumbach's dramedy (streaming on Netflix now), George Clooney plays Jay Kelly, an internationally beloved movie icon, while Crudup is Timothy, a child therapist and former friend who was the best thespian of their drama class.
—
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
In fact, the last one is for real as the aspiring thespians eventually discover.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
The veteran thespian used the interview to highlight the broader need for solidarity among Black creators.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Farrell saw such a complex character as an appealing opportunity for a thespian.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thespian
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
In fact, the last one is for real as the aspiring thespians eventually discover.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
The veteran thespian used the interview to highlight the broader need for solidarity among Black creators.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Farrell saw such a complex character as an appealing opportunity for a thespian.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thespian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thespian
Noun
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Academy Award-winning actor Robert Duvall died on Feburary 15, at the age of 95.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
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The footage included photos from his childhood and ended with a clip of the actor taking a bite out of a massive cookie.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The opening scene, which hints at the allegorical nature of the story (written by Çatak, Ayda Meryem Çatak and Enis Köstepen), features respected theater actress Derya (Özgü Namal) on stage before a packed audience.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
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For the evening’s fete, the Korean-Australian actress wore a red pleated silk dress from Gurung’s fall 2026 collection.—
Kanika Talwar,
Footwear News,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Kennedy freshman Ta’Niya Paul remains a breakout performer.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
18 Feb. 2026
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Five different characters sing their hearts out, and each performer meets the vocal and emotional demands of their star turn with both power and subtlety.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thespian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thespian. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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