Synonym Chooser

How is the word melodramatic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of melodramatic are dramatic, histrionic, and theatrical. While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism.

made a melodramatic plea

When is dramatic a more appropriate choice than melodramatic?

The words dramatic and melodramatic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply.

a dramatic meeting of world leaders

When might histrionic be a better fit than melodramatic?

While the synonyms histrionic and melodramatic are close in meaning, histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

When can theatrical be used instead of melodramatic?

While in some cases nearly identical to melodramatic, theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression.

a theatrical oration

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of melodramatic And this emotional but never melodramatic four-part drama, written by Jack Thorne (His Dark Materials) and directed by Michael Keillor, is an unusually empathetic and perceptive example. Judy Berman, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025 These were the anarchists, whose isolated but highly publicized acts of individual retaliation were intended as inspirational melodramatic theatre rather than as actual revolutionary politics. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 Among Jean-Baptiste’s most extraordinary moments is the intimate Mother’s Day gathering that takes place without melodramatic fireworks but comes face-to-face with Pansy’s private implosion. Armond White, National Review, 21 Feb. 2025 Her over-the-top cockney accent speaking in melodramatic dialogue drives much of the comedy in her performance, which ultimately wears thin over the course of the film’s brief runtime. Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for melodramatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melodramatic
Adjective
  • Beginning March 31, Cinema United is bringing together the folks who represent all those screens for CinemaCon, which is the annual convention in which the studios show off their upcoming theatrical slates to entice those theater owners to book their movies on their screens.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The visual arts community, the theatrical community, the heritage preservation folks, festivals, the people that the independent resident artists bring to their studios are all there.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Reddit users are now chiming in on the situation, with many criticizing the mother-in-law for taking such a dramatic step in the first place.
    Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Professional money managers who make both long and short wagers cut back risk exposure by selling stocks and covering shorts in a dramatic fashion on Friday and Monday.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • At the same time, Barnes was a crank of operatic grandiosity—thin-skinned, bellicose, distrustful, fickle, and vindictive.
    Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Meantime, there are present-day affairs underway in this busy operatic troupe, and also a considerable number of underminers.
    Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Melodramatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melodramatic. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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