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
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
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
Humanity is a much more complex, protean planetary force than a meteorite strike or glacial retreat.
—Jan Zalasiewicz, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2016
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
See All Example Sentences for protean
San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Dec. 2022
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
Humanity is a much more complex, protean planetary force than a meteorite strike or glacial retreat.
—Jan Zalasiewicz, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2016
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
See All Example Sentences for protean
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protean
Adjective
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The sale includes discounts on travel essentials, including sleek luggage, winter-ready airport outfits, comfy walking shoes, and versatile travel accessories.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Sep. 2025
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Calvin Klein Garnet Tote For those seeking a carryall that can handle daily work commutes, regular outings, and sport events for the kids, look no further than this versatile bag from Cavlin Klein.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Road trips, hikes, and beach destinations with pet-friendly hotels can work well for adaptable animals.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
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On the other hand, GPUs remain extremely adaptable, capable of managing both training and inference across diverse models.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protean.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protean. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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