columnist

noun

Definition of columnistnext
as in writer
a person who writes a newspaper or magazine column The columnist is known to take provocative positions that often shape the opinions of her readers. a gossip columnist

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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 columnist Liberals dominate New York Times opinion pages as paper has no pro-Trump columnist. — FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Some, like San Francisco Chronicle columnist Ann Killion, would call it a rebuild anyway. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Igor Cassini, a former society columnist for the Hearst papers and the brother of Oleg Cassini, Jacqueline Kennedy’s favorite couturier, was the chairman of Le Club’s board. — Kai Bird, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Championship rings are not used as a measuring stick only by overcaffeinated fans and simpleminded columnists and talk-show hosts. — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for columnist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for columnist
  1. writer
  2. reporter
  3. author
  4. journalist
  5. novelist
Noun
  • Taylor Swift will be adding another trophy to her shelf, as the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame announced Tuesday that the superstar will be inducted into the hall this fall, becoming, at 36, the youngest writer ever to receive the honor.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026
  • It’s been my privilege to learn, from scholars and thinkers and writers far more deeply rooted than myself in the American west, about its realities and relentless contradictions.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of writer
Noun
  • And that was in the opening statement — before any reporters asked a question.
    — Jesse Newell, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Associated Press reporter Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, also contributed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of reporter
Noun
  • Assessing the entries this year were a total of six panels, comprised of independent experts from across the industry, including top writers, authors and broadcasters from England and Scotland.
    — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Follow-up research is needed to really prove bedbugs actually are spreading MRSA to people, said one of the study's authors, Jose Pietri, who is now at Purdue University.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of author
Noun
  • His previous spell on the Bernabeu bench was filled with arguments and feuds, with the Portuguese angrily taking on referees, journalists, opposition coaches and even his own players.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Johnson’s administration took the rare step of not inviting journalists to last year’s annual conference, but allowed members of the press to attend the mayor’s speech this year.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of journalist
Noun
  • Kei Miller is a Jamaican poet, essayist, and novelist, shortlisted for the Costa Poetry Award and winner of the prestigious Forward poetry prize for his collection The Cartographer Tries to Map a Way to Zion.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Lee Child — the novelist who created this most quintessentially ‘Merican of heroes — isn’t merely an Englishman, but a Commander of the Order of the British Empire!
    — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of novelist

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Cite this Entry

“Columnist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/columnist. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on columnist

Nglish: Translation of columnist for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about columnist

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