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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Go back to where the trend began with the first of the filmmaker’s limited horror series, the creepy, melodramatic 2018 adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s novel starring multiple actors who have become part of Flanagan’s regular ensemble: Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel, Annabeth Gish, and Samantha Sloyan. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2024 There’s a sense of real but not needless nor melodramatic danger, which makes the relationships between the characters feel more real, too. —

Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2024 The melodramatic music playing in the background of the clip seemed to be the icing on the cake, adding a layer of surreal ambiance to an already strange scene. —

Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 The emotional Moon enters melodramatic Leo at 8:51 am EST and opposes inflexible Pluto in logical Aquarius shortly thereafter, setting up a tug-of-war between feelings and facts. —

Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for melodramatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for melodramatic

Adjective

Following the film's IMAX run, Gerwig's Narnia will be available on Netflix as per Belloni, who also reveals that the film will be shot on both IMAX and regular cameras, with the potential for a regular theatrical run alongside the IMAX release.

Billie Melissa, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
But the bulk of advertising is typically deployed within two months of theatrical release.

Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025