actor
10 synonyms and 1 antonyms for actor, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who performs roles in plays, films, or television shows.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use actor
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin actor ("doer"), from agere ("to do, to act").
Full origin of actor →Frequently asked questions
What does “actor” mean?
The word “actor” means a person who performs roles in plays, films, or television shows. In plain terms, someone who performs a part on screen or stage — or, more broadly, anyone or anything taking part in an event.
How do you pronounce “actor”?
“Actor” is pronounced AK-tuh (/ˈæk.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “actor” in a sentence?
Here is “actor” used in a sentence: “The actor spent months preparing for his role as the detective.”
What is the opposite of “actor”?
The opposite of “actor” — its antonyms — is undergoer.
What part of speech is “actor”?
“Actor” is a noun.
Where does the word “actor” come from?
The word “actor” comes from Latin. From Latin actor ("doer"), from agere ("to do, to act").
Is “actor” a common word?
“Actor” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “actor” have?
“Actor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who performs roles in plays, films, or television shows.
What is the difference between an actor and a performer?
'Performer' is the broader word, covering anyone who entertains an audience — singers, dancers, comedians, and musicians included. An actor is a specific kind of performer who portrays characters in plays, films, or television. Every actor is a performer, but not every performer is an actor.
Can acting be taught or learned?
Yes. While some people have natural stage presence, acting is a craft built through training in drama schools, workshops, and practice. Actors learn voice control, movement, script analysis, and techniques for inhabiting a character. Experience on stage and screen then sharpens those skills over a career.
What does an actor do?
An actor studies a script, interprets a character, and performs that role for an audience or camera. The work includes memorising lines, rehearsing, developing a believable personality and voice, and responding to direction. Beyond performance, actors also audition frequently and research their roles to portray them convincingly.