player

noun

ˈplā-ər How to pronounce player (audio)
Definition of playernext
1
as in instrumentalist
a person who plays a musical instrument a horn player

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in actor
one who acts professionally (as in a play, movie, or television show) a troupe of players used to give performances on the town green

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in participant
one who takes part in something a significant player in the negotiations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of player Since entering the league, Brown has played in 142 postseason games, more than any player in the NBA during that stretch. — Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 There's little doubt that the Dodgers organization excels at providing a positive experience for their players. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 While veterans jockey for new contracts during free agency, young players are getting their tryout opportunities with NBA summer league games beginning this week. — Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 The four players are all currently under contract through at least the 2028-29 season, which is when Brown and Embiid could become unrestricted free agents. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for player
Recent Examples of Synonyms for player
  1. instrumentalist
  2. actor
  3. participant
  4. musician
  5. performer
  6. participator
  7. artist
  8. actress
Noun
  • Coleman’s harmolodic theory — in which melody, harmony and rhythm are each treated as equal components to be performed simultaneously by each instrumentalist in a group — had a profound effect on Ulmer.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
  • On Saturday there were nearly 400 student instrumentalists and vocalists one time or another on stage at Disney, members of a large symphony orchestra, a concert orchestra, a big band, a mariachi ensemble and the Titan Banda Oaxaquena.
    — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Definition of instrumentalist
Noun
  • Smollett was accused of staging a hate crime — which was originally reported as a racist and homophobic crime against the Empire actor— in Chicago in February 2019.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
  • Travis Kelce's brother, Jason Kelce, and his wife, Kylie Kelce, are expected to attend, as are fellow NFL star George Kittle and actor-singer Suki Waterhouse.
    — Charlie Carballo, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of actor
Noun
  • Although one participant appeared remotely, on a large TV monitor, during the real interrogation, the theatrical version places all three figures in the same room.
    — Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • To file a claim, participants must fill out the claim form on the settlement website.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of participant
Noun
  • The pair made their relationship public in 2017, and after three years of dating, the actress and musician got engaged in 2019.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • The honor has been bestowed upon actors, comedians, directors, producers, costume designers, writers, animators, musicians, executives, journalists, and various other individuals whose work in television has no equal.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 30 June 2026
Definition of musician
Noun
  • The performer and brother of pop star Ariana Grande was a shoo-in for the parts, having played them as far back as 2018.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
  • The data can be used for special effects work or as a reference for a video game artist creating a character around a performer.
    — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026
Definition of performer
Noun
  • And in doing so, Gunther often lulls crowds into becoming sporting event spectators rather than the raucous participators that most other wrestlers try to draw out of them.
    — Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
Definition of participator
Noun
  • Once all but deserted, the town experienced a revival in 1965, when artists and musicians began to flock there after encouragement from the Yugoslav government.
    — Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
  • Ihm says programming at SparkHouse will include listening sessions, live showcases and even a mentorship program for rising artists.
    — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of artist
Noun
  • That said, the actress has a few staples in her routine that help enhance her glowy, youthful appearance.
    — Grace Scollo, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • The first actress cast in the lead part of Captain Kathryn Janeway, Genevieve Bujold, quit after two days on the job.
    — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026
Definition of actress

Browse Nearby Words

played (with)
player
players
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Cite this Entry

“Player.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/player. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on player

Nglish: Translation of player for Spanish Speakers

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