Synonyms of thespian

thespian

noun

ˈthe-spē-ən 

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

• actor
• actress
• performer
• entertainer
• trouper
• player
• impersonator
• thesp
• comedian
• mummer
• starlet
• star
• costar
• walk-on
• enactor
• supernumerary
• monologuist
• tragedian
• farceur
• leading man
• leading lady
• barnstormer
• double
• spear-carrier
• understudy
• tragedienne
• buffoon
• pantomime
• clown
• scene-stealer
• coactor
• extra
• poser
• prima donna
• mime
• personator
• masquerader
• impressionist
• pantomimist
• ape
• aper
• harlequin
• imitator
• masker
• stooge
• lead
• zany
• ham
• mimic

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• novice
• amateur
• nonprofessional
• nonactor

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of thespian

Broadway's glittering lights have always beckoned aspiring thespians and avid theatergoers to New York, and the city's ever exciting theatre scene is far from simply resting on its laurels. — Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026

Zendaya counted her sixth Emmy nom for the final season of Euphoria with a Best Actress Drama Series nod; the Spider-Man and Dune thespian already has two at home, with Drama Series Actress wins in 2020 and 2022 on HBO’s edgy HBO young-adult series. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 8 July 2026

Here are several of the most impressive ways these actors and their fellow thespians committed to doing their characters justice. — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

Vivienne Westwood has reimagined the outdoor terrace of J Sheekey to mark the 130th anniversary of the landmark London restaurant that started as a stall holder in 1896 serving post-theater suppers to hungry thespians and audiences. — Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 9 June 2026