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

The actors who play Olmo’s parents, Gustavo Sánchez Parra and Andrea Suárez Paz, are seasoned Mexican thespians. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

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