melodrama
noun
melo·dra·ma
ˈme-lə-ˌdrä-mə 
-ˌdra-
1
a
: a work (such as a movie or play) characterized by extravagant theatricality and by the predominance of plot and physical action over characterization
an actor with a flair for melodrama
b
: the genre (see genre sense 1) of dramatic literature constituted by such works
2
: something resembling a melodrama especially in having a sensational or theatrical quality
The trial turned into a melodrama.
Examples of melodrama in a Sentence
Critics dismissed his work as melodrama.
an actor with a talent for melodrama
She is starring in another melodrama.
The trial turned into a melodrama.
a life full of melodrama
Recent Examples on the Web
While the Hallmark series is a far cry from the melodrama of his soapier work, the actor compared When Calls the Heart’s passionate fanbase to that of General Hospital.
—
John Russell, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025
How a 30-year-old singer, born in Argentina and raised in Spain, manages to channel the smoldering melodrama of Latin music’s golden era with such uncanny precision remains a bit of a mystery.
—Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025
Conclave reduces philosophical and spiritual issues to the cheapest and most banal melodrama.
—Armond White, National Review, 19 Feb. 2025
Qu struggles to balance the melodrama of the cousin’s sororal story with the comic beats of these mafia men integrating themselves into the studio city.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
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John Russell, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025
How a 30-year-old singer, born in Argentina and raised in Spain, manages to channel the smoldering melodrama of Latin music’s golden era with such uncanny precision remains a bit of a mystery.
—Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025
Conclave reduces philosophical and spiritual issues to the cheapest and most banal melodrama.
—Armond White, National Review, 19 Feb. 2025
Qu struggles to balance the melodrama of the cousin’s sororal story with the comic beats of these mafia men integrating themselves into the studio city.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
Cite this Entry
“Melodrama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melodrama. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
melodrama
noun
melo·dra·ma
ˈmel-ə-ˌdräm-ə
-ˌdram-
1
a
: a work (as a movie or play) marked by the exaggerated emotions of the characters and the importance of action and plot
b
: such works as a group
2
: melodramatic events or behavior
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