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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Angel food cake might be the most versatile and delectable base for desserts aplenty.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
3 Aug. 2025
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More versatile than a Jeep, the Humvee offered multiple versions, including one that could hunt and destroy a tank with a missile.—
Tom Vanden Brook,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Prioritize Collaboration With Regulators And System Adaptability Collaborate early with regulators and build flexible, adaptable systems, so teams can respond to change without slowing down.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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Osbourne, who died on Tuesday at 76, became a more multifaceted and adaptable thinker than early observers would’ve guessed.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protean. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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