1
as in theatrical
given to or marked by attention-getting behavior suggestive of stage acting
a penchant for dish throwing, door slamming, and other histrionic displays of temper
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in theatric
having the general quality or effect of a stage performance
we never tired of his histrionic reenactment of how he found money under the floorboards of a house he was renovating
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of histrionic
Beginning at the very apex of his falsetto, Hawkins tears through his ode to a life-changing love with an impassioned vocal performance that peppers his slight drawl with histrionic growls, effortlessly matching the rousing energy of the track’s instrumentation.
—
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Based on Muriel Spark’s indelible novel, the film was a perfect vehicle for Smith’s histrionic charm and seductive wizardry.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024
The movie works only because Kidman can play in such different registers: the muted, wide-eyed bride and her thrilling, histrionic other.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2024
These voters are more likely to respond to straight talk about the issues than histrionic talk about the death of American democracy, even if the fear is real.
—Dave Anderson, Baltimore Sun, 22 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for histrionic
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Based on Muriel Spark’s indelible novel, the film was a perfect vehicle for Smith’s histrionic charm and seductive wizardry.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024
The movie works only because Kidman can play in such different registers: the muted, wide-eyed bride and her thrilling, histrionic other.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2024
These voters are more likely to respond to straight talk about the issues than histrionic talk about the death of American democracy, even if the fear is real.
—Dave Anderson, Baltimore Sun, 22 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for histrionic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for histrionic
Adjective
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Another mentioned a different kind of bias potentially at play: the grudge theatrical stalwarts still hold against Netflix.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
22 Feb. 2025
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The rhyming tale of Old Mother Hubbard and her hungry (and quite theatrical dog) continues for many more verses after the empty cupboard revelation.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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That was a dramatic increase from the $32 million in sponsorship money the federation earned the year before.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
28 Feb. 2025
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What Happens Next The dramatic turn of events could have far-reaching consequences in Europe and beyond.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The 12-minute-and-then-some song starts off with a progressive folk feel and an angelically operatic high wail — think Joni Mitchell meets Fairport Convention — only to move, by the track’s halfway mark.—
A.D. Amorosi,
Variety,
24 Feb. 2025
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The fights based on interpersonal drama can feel just as operatic as any hallucinogenic nightmare brought on by a mysterious woodland entity.—
Esther Zuckerman,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Histrionic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/histrionic. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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