soap opera
noun
1
a
: a serial drama performed originally on a daytime radio or television program and chiefly characterized by tangled interpersonal situations and melodramatic or sentimental treatment
b
: a series of real-life events resembling a soap opera
2
: the melodrama and sentimentality characteristic of a soap opera
even cops need a little soap opera in their lives—
Joseph Wambaugh
Joseph Wambaugh
also
: something (such as a novel) having such qualities
Synonyms
Examples of soap opera in a Sentence
She loves to watch daytime soap operas.
the movie started out well, but quickly devolved into improbable soap opera
Recent Examples on the Web
Before The Vampire Diaries, Roerig did a long-standing stint on the soap opera As the World Turns as Casey Hughes (2005–2009), along with multiple episodes of One Life to Live (2007) and Friday Night Lights (2008–2009).
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 1 June 2024
Advertisement Throughout her decades-spanning career, MacRae charmed audiences and entertainment executives alike, appearing in a number of classic soap operas and fan-favorite sitcoms.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024
He's nominated for best guest performer in a daytime drama series for his portrayal of Timothy Robicheaux on the soap opera, which marked his first foray into that side of television.
—Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024
The tables of box office grosses and advertisements for new films were a soap opera in code about success and failure, tragedy and triumph.
—Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for soap opera 
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 1 June 2024
Advertisement Throughout her decades-spanning career, MacRae charmed audiences and entertainment executives alike, appearing in a number of classic soap operas and fan-favorite sitcoms.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024
He's nominated for best guest performer in a daytime drama series for his portrayal of Timothy Robicheaux on the soap opera, which marked his first foray into that side of television.
—Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024
The tables of box office grosses and advertisements for new films were a soap opera in code about success and failure, tragedy and triumph.
—Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for soap opera
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'soap opera.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Soap opera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soap%20opera. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
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