HEADLINER Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

headliner

noun

ˈhed-ˌlī-nər

Definition of headliner

as in star

the person who has the most important role in a play, movie, or TV show a headliner on variety shows in the early days of TV

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of headliner Ludlow considered abandoning the beach fest and moving the headline shows into the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park and Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, which led to several headliners dropping out. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 With schedules posted everywhere and online, audiences can easily follow the fest’s headliners across town, popping in and out of gold-rush hangouts and gambling halls. — Jacqueline Kehoe, Midwest Living, 19 Aug. 2026 Defensive headliners include senior lineman Gianni Fonash, senior linebacker John Lyons and senior safety Brady Marino. — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 Simpson’s run became the headliner in the Rams’ 20-12 preseason victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for headliner

Recent Examples of Synonyms for headliner

Noun

Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, Jack White, every living president, Jane Fonda, and countless more have all mourned the beloved star.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
The late star had also been a co-owner of Sandollar Productions alongside her former manager, Sandy Gallin, which produced Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Father of the Bride and Sabrina, among others.

— Lars Brandle, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of star

Noun

Things could be better, which goes without saying in the aftermath of a flu pandemic that has wiped out most of the planet’s human population, but the four principals here could also be dead, so there’s that.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
When your interest rate changes, your monthly principal and interest payment can change, too.

— Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of principal

Browse Nearby Words

headline

headliner

headliners

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Style

“Headliner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headliner. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of headliner

noun

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