Definition

Noun: A journalist who writes editorials. An editorialist is a writer, typically employed by a newspaper, magazine, or news website, whose primary role is to compose editorials. Editorials are articles that express the official opinion or position of the publication's editorial board on current events and issues.

Usage

The word "editorialist" is used to specify a journalist's role focused on opinion writing, distinguishing them from reporters who focus on objective news coverage. It is a formal term commonly found in media and journalism contexts.

Examples

• The newspaper's lead editorialist wrote a powerful piece criticizing the new policy.
• She worked for twenty years as an editorialist for a major national daily.
• The panel featured three prominent editorialists debating the election.

Advanced Usage

• "Pundit vs. Editorialist": While both express opinions, a is often a commentator invited by media outlets to provide expert analysis, whereas an is a staff writer whose editorials represent the institution's voice.
• The term can imply a position of influence, as editorialists shape public discourse and perception.

Variants and Related Words

• Editorial (noun): The opinion article written by an editorialist.
  • The editorial on climate change was widely shared.
• Columnist (noun): A journalist who writes regular articles expressing personal opinions, often under their own name rather than representing the institution's voice. An editorialist is a specific type of columnist.

Synonyms

• Opinion writer
• Commentator (in a specific journalistic context)
• Leader writer (chiefly British English)

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To wield the editorial pen: To write editorials; to express authoritative opinions through writing.
  • For decades, he wielded the editorial pen at the city's most respected paper.

Noun

1. a journalist who writes editorials