melodramatic

adjective

melo·​dra·​mat·​ic ˌme-lə-drə-ˈma-tik 

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of melodrama

a luridly melodramatic script

2

: appealing to the emotions : sensational

the fund-raiser's desperate, melodramatic appeal for more donations

melodramatically

ˌme-lə-drə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• dramatic
• hammy
• histrionic
• stagy
• stagey
• theatrical
• theatric

Choose the Right Synonym for melodramatic

dramatic, theatrical, histrionic, melodramatic mean having a character or an effect like that of acted plays.

dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply.

a dramatic meeting of world leaders

theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression.

a theatrical oration

histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism.

made a melodramatic plea

Examples of melodramatic in a Sentence

Oh, quit being so melodramatic!

Recent Examples on the Web

The melodramatic music playing in the background of the clip seemed to be the icing on the cake, adding a layer of surreal ambiance to an already strange scene. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

The emotional Moon enters melodramatic Leo at 8:51 am EST and opposes inflexible Pluto in logical Aquarius shortly thereafter, setting up a tug-of-war between feelings and facts. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024

The dilemma recalls Otto Preminger’s Whirlpool and Where the Sidewalk Ends, post-WWII films about personal probity but without the melodramatic hype that cheapened both. —Armond White, National Review, 22 Nov. 2024

The melodramatic Bea often takes potshots at spirited newcomer Ndidi (the deft Aisha Sougou) over coveted customers in some of the play’s funniest moments. —Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

melodramatic

adjective

melo·​dra·​mat·​ic ˌmel-ə-drə-ˈmat-ik 

1

: of or relating to melodrama

2

: resembling or suitable for melodrama : sensational

melodramatically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb