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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of dramatic In November 2020, Gap reported a dramatic increase of sales of their Straight Fit Khaki Trousers in Palomino Brown after Mr. Kornacki wore them during election week coverage. —

Tanya Akim, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 In 1977, his work on Roots won him the Emmy for outstanding achievement in music composition for a series (dramatic underscore). —

Mesfin Fekadu, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024 Lerner expects some trading churn this week but nothing too dramatic. —

Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 The August rally was merely a blip in an otherwise dramatic depreciation of the currency since 2012. —

Steven Desmyter, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dramatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dramatic

Adjective

Related Articles There are some minor and barely noticeable physical improvements over previous models, such as a slightly less prominent camera bump in the back.

Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Other experiments are less noticeable but nonetheless consequential: by increasing early voting, for example, states have observed changes in who participates in elections, including those previously left out of the process.

Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024