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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of thespian
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley will return as Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery, the respective super-powered actor and ex-terrorist-thespian around which the show revolved.
—
Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 23 Mar. 2026
The world of thespians is dramatic—and not just when performing a play.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
The occasional odd campaign moment and foot-in-mouth gaff didn't help – neither did Jordan getting top honors from his fellow thespians at the Actor Awards.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Be sure to stick around for the twice-daily gunfights staged in the dusty streets by local thespians in 10-gallon hats.
—Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thespian
Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 23 Mar. 2026
The world of thespians is dramatic—and not just when performing a play.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
The occasional odd campaign moment and foot-in-mouth gaff didn't help – neither did Jordan getting top honors from his fellow thespians at the Actor Awards.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Be sure to stick around for the twice-daily gunfights staged in the dusty streets by local thespians in 10-gallon hats.
—Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thespian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thespian
Noun
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The actor and longtime Knicks fan donned a blue suit with an orange tie on the red carpet.—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
5 May 2026
-
Musician Beyoncé, actor Nicole Kidman and tennis star Venus Williams serve as co-hosts alongside magazine executive Anna Wintour, who has long spearheaded the event.—
Dalila Muata,
NBC news,
5 May 2026
Noun
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Since her divorce from country music star Keith Urban, actress Nicole Kidman has been embracing a bold new era of revenge dressing.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
8 May 2026
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Wilson is being sued for defamation by Charlotte MacInnes, The Deb‘s lead actress.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Once again charming viewers with his native Australian accent, the actor remains effortlessly entertaining while using his charisma to neutralize caustic dialogue that would flatten a less likable performer on impact.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
6 May 2026
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Electronics company Ibiden was the top performer, climbing 17%, while manufacturing and metals company Mitsui Kinzoku gained 16%.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thespian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thespian. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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