histrionics

noun

his·​tri·​on·​ics ˌhi-strē-ˈä-niks How to pronounce histrionics (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: theatrical performances
2
: deliberate display of emotion for effect
was not moved by her histrionics

Examples of histrionics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Accompanying himself on electric guitar, his slow, bluesy version was intensely soulful and blissfully free of the flashy vocal histrionics that have have long been de rigueur for Super Bowl anthem singers. San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Feb. 2023 But when the worst happens, the film overestimates the depths of emotional resonance earned by giving pretty much every family member their own attenuated scene of tearful histrionics. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 18 Nov. 2022 Now, most of the highlights of Jones are of his heated histrionics as the Patriots’ offensive operation falters week after week. Christopher L. Gasper, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Dec. 2022 The histrionics over election interference also neatly mirror popular concerns about the Trump administration, and should be familiar to anyone who followed the Trump-Russia scandal. Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 6 Dec. 2022 See all Example Sentences for histrionics 

Word History

Etymology

see histrionic

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of histrionics was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near histrionics

Cite this Entry

“Histrionics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/histrionics. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

histrionics

singular or plural noun
his·​tri·​on·​ics ˌhis-trē-ˈän-iks How to pronounce histrionics (audio)
1
: theatrical performances
2
: exaggerated display of feeling

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