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

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

Nighy is one of the more recognizable British thespians of stage and screen known for his breakout work in Love Actually, romantic drama About Time, and the Underworld movies. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2026

For a pioneering English thespian, whose career has been largely defined by a character consumed with obsession, this particular project carries an unintended symbolism. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026

After word gets out that Frank Capra plans to see a matinee performance, a series of comedic twists and turns determines the fate of whether the two thespians achieve their acting ambitions. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026