protean

adjective

ˈprō-tē-ən How to pronounce protean (audio)
Definition of proteannext
as in versatile
able to do many different kinds of things a protean actor who is equally comfortable with light comedy and serious drama

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 protean Spielberg—youthful, awkward, affable, scarred—was a protean talent who found gold dust in every shot. — Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026 That preternaturally projecting voice and strangely protean accent. — Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026 His beliefs and artistic inclinations were protean and often contradictory. — Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Davis spent his career sounding the depths of his protean creativity. — Helena Alonso Paisley, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protean
  1. versatile
  2. adaptable
Adjective
  • Georgia’s Kirby Smart took notice of Columbia’s sophomore Swiss Army knife, a versatile prospect able to line up just about anywhere.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
  • As the season has gone on, though, she’s been her usual, dominant, versatile self.
    — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of versatile
Adjective
  • Several expand or open, while others use moving furniture or adaptable interiors to maximize functionality.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The program’s open-architecture approach is intended to make those systems more adaptable as operational requirements evolve.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of adaptable

Browse Nearby Words

protagonists
protean
protect
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Cite this Entry

“Protean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protean. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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