DRAMATIC Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'dramatic' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dramatic are histrionic , melodramatic , and theatrical . While all these words 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

Q: In what contexts can 'histrionic' take the place of 'dramatic'?

Although the words histrionic and dramatic have much in common, histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess. // a histrionic show of grief

Q: When would 'melodramatic' be a good substitute for 'dramatic'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dramatic , melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism. // made a melodramatic plea

Q: When can 'theatrical' be used instead of 'dramatic'?

While the synonyms theatrical and dramatic are close in meaning, theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression. // a theatrical oration

dramatic

adjective

drə-ˈma-tik

Definition of dramatic next

as in theatric

having the general quality or effect of a stage performance the basketball player's dramatic announcement of his sudden retirement held everybody spellbound

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as in theatrical

given to or marked by attention-getting behavior suggestive of stage acting oh, don't be so dramatic, and just tell us, without the pregnant pauses, what happened

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as in noticeable

likely to attract attention a dramatic drop in the temperature overnight

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word dramatic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dramatic are histrionic, melodramatic, and theatrical. While all these words 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

In what contexts can histrionic take the place of dramatic?

Although the words histrionic and dramatic have much in common, histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

When would melodramatic be a good substitute for dramatic?

While in some cases nearly identical to dramatic, melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism.

made a melodramatic plea

When can theatrical be used instead of dramatic?

While the synonyms theatrical and dramatic are close in meaning, theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression.

a theatrical oration

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of dramatic This rivalry wrote another dramatic chapter Saturday night. —

Pierre Lebrun, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025 One pink gown, with dramatic feathering at the bottom, was reminiscent of 1920s-style flapper glam. —

Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 The drop in profits was less dramatic when the department also counted investment income and support services, such as parking and cafeteria meals. —

Meg Wingerter, The Denver Post, 14 Feb. 2025 The site was no more than a few dozen feet from a dramatic drop to the rolling desert below, which leads through desert scrub to the foothills of Mount Cristo Rey. —

Reyes Mata Iii, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dramatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dramatic

Adjective

Dehydrated skin can make fine lines more noticeable.

— Jenna Ryu, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025
The penalty tilt has noticeable in the past 12 Kansas City postseason games as Chiefs opponents have been flagged more 11 times, with one tie.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2025