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
  • What resonated most with me was the return of large, versatile bags designed to accompany women throughout the day.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Shakur is considered one of the most influential and versatile rappers of all time and had a burgeoning film career as an actor at the time of his death.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of versatile
Adjective
  • Rather than simply copying that, but with a slab of batteries under the cabin, the Fiat Multiplay explores the idea of a vehicle that’s adaptable, transforming from a three-row people carrier to a pickup.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Its adaptable architecture supports missions including tactical logistics, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, communications support and other mission-critical applications.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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