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
His television series Twin Peaks (1990–91, 2017) further cemented his reputation, becoming a cultural phenomenon with its blend of soap opera melodrama, supernatural intrigue, and quirky humor.
—
Darryn King, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Stiles and Carlino steer the proceedings away from melodrama and broad comedy, rooting the movie in balanced, honest sincerity.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
David Lynch, the acclaimed filmmaker who blended dreamlike surrealism with mystery and melodrama in films like Mulholland Drive and television projects like Twin Peaks, has died at 78.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Disclaimer, a glossy melodrama, manages to tackle the highly contestable issue of who gets to speak his or her narrative, and whether that narrative has to be believed.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for melodrama 
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Darryn King, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Stiles and Carlino steer the proceedings away from melodrama and broad comedy, rooting the movie in balanced, honest sincerity.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
David Lynch, the acclaimed filmmaker who blended dreamlike surrealism with mystery and melodrama in films like Mulholland Drive and television projects like Twin Peaks, has died at 78.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Disclaimer, a glossy melodrama, manages to tackle the highly contestable issue of who gets to speak his or her narrative, and whether that narrative has to be believed.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for melodrama
Dictionary Entries Near melodrama
Cite this Entry
“Melodrama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melodrama. Accessed 22 Jan. 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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