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

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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 of dramatic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Though less dramatic, LVMH, which once attempted a takeover of Hermès, saw a 5 percent drop in fashion and leather goods sales last quarter, which were originally projected to grow by 4 percent. —

Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2024 But even with the fanciful visuals, the show is relentlessly dour, but without the dramatic chops to support this approach. —

Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2024 Dodgers Plaschke: Jack Flaherty gives Dodgers dramatic trade deadline victory July 30, 2024 Mark Hartman, the coach of that Little League championship team, said Flaherty was a jovial kid off the field, but never on it. —

Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 There don’t appear to be dramatic changes in the number of cows dying from bird flu, said Dr. K. Fred Gingrich II, executive director of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, an organization representing veterinarians who treat cows. —

Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dramatic

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dramatic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.