MELODRAMATIC Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

melodramatic

adjective

ˌme-lə-drə-ˈma-tik

Definition of melodramatic next

as in theatric

given to or marked by attention-getting behavior suggestive of stage acting our office drama queen yet again made the melodramatic declaration that he couldn't take it anymore and was quitting

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as in theatrical

having the general quality or effect of a stage performance he gave his usual melodramatic speech that he had learned his lesson and thereafter would always pay his bills on time

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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

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Recent Examples of melodramatic Instead, their presence tips the narrative into something both more melodramatic and more conventional, with blazing showdowns and a climax of moral retribution worthy of Thomas Hardy’s The Mayor of Casterbridge. —

Tom Gliatto, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025 The best way to tackle this show is to watch Season 1, then look up the big spoiler for Season 2, and then skip Season 2 and watch Season 3, where the program ultimately settles into its melodramatic, soapy groove. —

Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 3 Jan. 2025 An entire sense of history was contained within its melodramatic stories. —

Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024 The film opens and ends with Donna Summer’s 1978 remake, which sends everyone out with a spring in their step, after hearing the more melodramatic Harris version at length earlier. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 15 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for melodramatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for melodramatic

Adjective

Kendrick’s theatrical retelling of culture, race, and integrity in the pursuit of the American Dream we’ve been sold (and bought), offered some catharsis.

— Essence, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025
Despite Schumer’s strong promise as a potential film personality, the dearth of comedy in theatrical releases has meant her talent mostly has been showcased on cable and streaming services.

— Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025