as in versatile
able to do many different kinds of things
a protean actor who is equally comfortable with light comedy and serious drama
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Recent Examples of protean
Ballet Hispánico is at the top of its game here, and Lopez Ochoa displays the dancers’ silken, protean talents beautifully.
—
Sarah L. Kaufman, Washington Post, 1 Dec. 2022
From its opening of a cassette clicking into a deck, FKA Twigs’ 17-track mixtape takes us through a protean universe of dancehall, trap-flecked R&B, and dreamy pop that skirts the mainstream to stay inventive.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 26 Dec. 2022
When not composing operas, orchestral works or chamber pieces, Tyshawn Sorey is a protean drummer and band leader.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Dec. 2022
Even assessments of subjectivity are protean and...subjective!
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2013
See All Example Sentences for protean
Sarah L. Kaufman, Washington Post, 1 Dec. 2022
From its opening of a cassette clicking into a deck, FKA Twigs’ 17-track mixtape takes us through a protean universe of dancehall, trap-flecked R&B, and dreamy pop that skirts the mainstream to stay inventive.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 26 Dec. 2022
When not composing operas, orchestral works or chamber pieces, Tyshawn Sorey is a protean drummer and band leader.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Dec. 2022
Even assessments of subjectivity are protean and...subjective!
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2013
See All Example Sentences for protean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protean
Adjective
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The versatile and super simple formula might just replace your go-to pound cake at the next potluck.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
23 May 2025
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His relative breakthrough in 2024 — career-best four sacks in nine games before suffering a season-ending injury — speaks to his pass-rushing upside, but his transition to the NFL could begin as a versatile core piece for new special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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One smart way to sell qualifications is to communicate the willingness to be adaptable to innovations and tactical strategies.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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Additionally, adaptable technology providers should offer scalability and customization, which allows brands to grow while leveraging increasingly sophisticated automation and analytics tools.—
Andre Claudio,
Sourcing Journal,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protean. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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