BELLETRIST Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

belletrist

noun

variants also belle-lettrist

Definition of belletrist

as in writer

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

nonauthor

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 belletrist The philologists, unlike the belletrists, were methodical and systematic, and given to expounding those methods and systems in lengthy treatises. — Evan Kindley, The New York Review of Books, 16 Feb. 2023 Harrison is almost the textbook example of a belletrist—someone who writes essays more for their aesthetic effect than anything else. — Bill Heavey, WSJ, 16 Sep. 2022 Locke the glossy belletrist gave way to Locke the fellow-traveller, Locke the savvy champion of proletarian realism. — Tobi Haslett, The New Yorker, 11 May 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for belletrist

Noun

There’s an irony in this prominent liberal writer’s lack of interest in actual politics — in any kind of collective solidarity that might extend beyond the county line.

— Sam Worley, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
Nancy Slonim Aronie, a writer and artist friend on the Vineyard, had a more alarming experience after she was rushed to a hospital in Boston in January for open heart surgery.

— Bob Drogin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of writer

Noun

Clearly, by now — that is, 1835 — science had done enough to prove itself in the eyes of the litterateurs.

— Thomas Moynihan, Big Think, 7 Mar. 2025
The book was first published anonymously, and its authorship is consequently uncertain, though usually attributed to a minor poet and litterateur named Wu Cheng’en.

— Washington Post, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2021

Definition of litterateur

Noun

Politically savvy, wickedly and playfully witty, and in close touch with humanity’s many facets, Roger Simon was among the most admired newspaper columnists of his generation at a time when that world was rich in that species of wordsmiths.

— Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2026
Kerri comes from an improv background but is also a technical wordsmith.

— Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026

Definition of wordsmith

Noun

At the new store, stylists will work one-on-one with clients to build wardrobes for work, travel and special occasions, guided by an understanding of individual style and the craftsmanship and versatility of each piece.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Dunham’s previous stylist, Michael Handler, was looking to step down.

— Grace Byron, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of stylist

Noun

The report found that 13% of respondents rely on spreadsheets or pen and paper.

— Carson Brunson, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
As the air alarm sounds over Izium, the children drop their drawing pens, tubes of glue, and felt-cutting scissors in unison and make for the door.

— Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of pen

Noun

No franchise on this list is more indebted to a single auteur (Wes Craven) and a single actor (Robert Englund), who turned the saga of Freddy Krueger into something uniquely horrifying.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2026
Madonna was stopped dead in her tracks by the strapping 30-year-old auteur of the nouvelle vague gangster movie Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, an eye-popping directorial debut.

— Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 5 July 2026

Definition of auteur

Browse Nearby Words

belles

belletrist

belletristic

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Belletrist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belletrist. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of belletrist

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Luddite

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes