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
In theory selection may lead to a world of green-beards with infinite population sizes and generations, and persistent and consistent selection, but the world may be too protean for this optimal equilibrium to ever arise.
—
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2010
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
See All Example Sentences for protean
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2010
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
See All Example Sentences for protean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protean
Adjective
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This outfit feels like my ultimate travel uniform—relaxed, versatile, and ready for the heat.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
22 July 2025
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Terra-cotta Tiles Terra-cotta tiles are rich, rustic, and wonderfully versatile.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Because charter schools are proving to be engines of talent development, economic mobility, and innovation in cities and states hungry for a skilled, adaptable workforce.—
Jeanne Allen,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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Initially, such adaptable machines could be used in challenging environments like disaster zones or outer space.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protean. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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