as in scripts
the written form of a story prepared for film production
each actor will be given a copy of the screenplay to study
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Recent Examples of screenplays
This year’s fellows and grantees are at the very beginning of that journey—developing screenplays where real scientific discovery and processes shape the story from the ground up.
—
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 Apr. 2026
More information about each of this year’s screenplays, provided by the Purple List team, follows.
—Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Known for her work in the horror genre, Mersten’s screenplays have been recognized at festivals including the Austin Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, and Flickers’ Rhode Island.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026
The virtual program will include development support to strengthen their screenplays, as well as advice on creating a compelling project package and refining their pitching skills in preparation for their residency in Los Angeles.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
Anderson had been nominated 14 times previously, including five times for screenplays and three times for best director.
—ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
Soon, Zayn went from writing short screenplays as an individual, to working on short film productions as a team.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Page Six suggests that's the one Willimon, also known for writing screenplays for 2011's The Ides of March and 2018's Mary Queen of Scots, is working on and already submitted a draft for.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Mar. 2026
His movies and screenplays are baked into our culture, our daily conversations, like mortar.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 Apr. 2026
More information about each of this year’s screenplays, provided by the Purple List team, follows.
—Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Known for her work in the horror genre, Mersten’s screenplays have been recognized at festivals including the Austin Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, and Flickers’ Rhode Island.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026
The virtual program will include development support to strengthen their screenplays, as well as advice on creating a compelling project package and refining their pitching skills in preparation for their residency in Los Angeles.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
Anderson had been nominated 14 times previously, including five times for screenplays and three times for best director.
—ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
Soon, Zayn went from writing short screenplays as an individual, to working on short film productions as a team.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Page Six suggests that's the one Willimon, also known for writing screenplays for 2011's The Ides of March and 2018's Mary Queen of Scots, is working on and already submitted a draft for.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Mar. 2026
His movies and screenplays are baked into our culture, our daily conversations, like mortar.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screenplays
scripts
Noun
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The sudden departure of new cast member Helena Bonham Carter just days into shooting has become the first great enigma of this season, leaving the French Riviera production in a scenario as uncertain as one of Mike White's scripts.—
Diego Parrado,
Vanity Fair,
26 Apr. 2026
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Season 2 is in the works, and the actors already have received the first couple of scripts.—
Amanda Champagne-Meadows,
Deadline,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Screenplays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screenplays. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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