HISTRIONIC Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of histrionic are dramatic , melodramatic , and theatrical . While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess. // a histrionic show of grief

Q: When could 'dramatic' be used to replace 'histrionic'?

The synonyms dramatic and histrionic are sometimes interchangeable, but dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply. // a dramatic meeting of world leaders

Q: Where would 'melodramatic' be a reasonable alternative to 'histrionic'?

In some situations, the words melodramatic and histrionic are roughly equivalent. However, melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism. // made a melodramatic plea

Q: When is it sensible to use 'theatrical' instead of 'histrionic'?

The meanings of theatrical and histrionic largely overlap; however, theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression. // a theatrical oration

histrionic

adjective

ˌhi-strē-ˈä-nik

Definition of histrionic next

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word histrionic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of histrionic are dramatic, melodramatic, and theatrical. While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

When could dramatic be used to replace histrionic?

The synonyms dramatic and histrionic are sometimes interchangeable, but dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply.

a dramatic meeting of world leaders

Where would melodramatic be a reasonable alternative to histrionic?

In some situations, the words melodramatic and histrionic are roughly equivalent. However, melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism.

made a melodramatic plea

When is it sensible to use theatrical instead of histrionic?

The meanings of theatrical and histrionic largely overlap; however, 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 histrionic 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 This condition is classified as a cluster B personality disorder, alongside antisocial, narcissistic, and histrionic personality disorders.12 How BPD affects people can vary. —

Joy Emeh, Health, 5 July 2024 Some members noted that key symptoms such as identity disturbance, outbursts of anger, and unstable interpersonal relations also featured in narcissistic and histrionic personality disorders. —

Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024 The rhetoric was histrionic, but every Justice seemed to take seriously the concern that a sitting President’s worry about future personal liability would impair his ability to fulfill his constitutional duties. —

Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for histrionic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for histrionic

Adjective

This is all thanks to a deal that has Disney acquiring the global theatrical rights for the title.

DeVonne Goode, Parents, 17 Dec. 2024
A couple of vintage cartoons and an original theatrical trailer round out the latest essential package from Warners’ boutique label.

Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Dec. 2024