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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of thespian
Weaving does little to challenge that image here, utilizing all her usual tricks as a bitter thespian who lacks the talent to land the theater role that will legitimize her as a serious actress.
—
Katie Rife, IndieWire, 16 Mar. 2026
The occasional odd campaign moment and foot-in-mouth gaff didn't help – neither did Jordan getting top honors from his fellow thespians at the Actor Awards.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Be sure to stick around for the twice-daily gunfights staged in the dusty streets by local thespians in 10-gallon hats.
—Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
Fine Arts Theatre Endowment to give back to Southwest Minnesota State and provide scholarships to aspiring thespians.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thespian
Katie Rife, IndieWire, 16 Mar. 2026
The occasional odd campaign moment and foot-in-mouth gaff didn't help – neither did Jordan getting top honors from his fellow thespians at the Actor Awards.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Be sure to stick around for the twice-daily gunfights staged in the dusty streets by local thespians in 10-gallon hats.
—Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
Fine Arts Theatre Endowment to give back to Southwest Minnesota State and provide scholarships to aspiring thespians.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thespian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thespian
Noun
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In a recent Equity survey, 71 % of actors from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds still reported that hair and makeup departments were unable to meet their needs, something that undermining wellbeing, authenticity and production values.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
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Many of his royal relatives have also made memorable trips over the years, with experiences ranging from trying a hot dog for the first time to dancing with actor John Travolta.—
Kierra Frazier,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Cohosts on the view range from age 36 (former White House strategic communications director Alyssa Farah Griffin) to 83 (actress-comedian Joy Behar).—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
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The lawyer pulled up more than a dozen emails showing the once-budding actress fawning over the Oscar-winning producer and seeking his counsel like a father figure.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
Noun
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No performer has ever won back-to-back guest drama actor Emmys for the same role.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
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The determination means Lane will be the show’s only potential leading performer in this year’s Tony race.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thespian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thespian. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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