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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 thespian
Fine Arts Theatre Endowment to give back to Southwest Minnesota State and provide scholarships to aspiring thespians.
—
Dennis Romero, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for thespian
Dennis Romero, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for thespian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thespian
Noun
-
While most agree that Iran is a malign actor on the global stage, many asserted that the choice to use military force against it was a mistake.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The actor was there at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 1 because she'd been chosen as the 2026 Ambassador by the actors' union.—
María Diez,
Glamour,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Duff played with her own public perception in the role of Olivia Burke, a famous actress who quickly takes a shine to Penn Badgley's Dan Humphrey.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The fashion designer, model, actress and New York Times best-selling author Fox recently signed with UTA.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Lewis is a performer whose career has always carried an edge of theatrical intensity, and placing her inside this particular production marks a fascinating collision of sensibilities.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Ingrid Andress, Geordie Greep, rising Atlanta pop-punk band the Paradox, and Latin pop performer EMJAY bring the overall headcount to more than 1,000 acts playing seven straight nights across Austin’s clubs and venues.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thespian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thespian. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
