chameleon

[kuh-mee-lee-uhn, -meel-yuhn] / kəˈmi li ən, -ˈmil yən /

NOUN

inconstant person

Synonyms

STRONG

pretender timeserver trimmer

WEAK

fake phony sycophant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He returned as leader of Bhumjaithai, a party that has proved something of a political chameleon, joining several government coalitions.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

David was a political chameleon who nimbly navigated a volatile epoch while remaining an artist of the highest professionalism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

Spotting a coiled optic nerve in one chameleon provided an important clue, but researchers needed broader evidence.

From Science Daily • Nov. 19, 2025

Zambian Leonard Phiri and Mozambican Jasten Mabulesse Candunde were convicted under the Witchcraft Act after being arrested in December with charms in their possession, including a live chameleon.

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2025

He walked through the world like a chameleon.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy