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

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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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of melodramatic La Maison is melodramatic—soapy, even—but in a world of frothy shows like Emily in Paris, consider this an Aesop opera. —

Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2024 Adedayo carries the melodramatic weight of this narrative. —

Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 17 Sep. 2024 The soap followed the melodramatic lives of a group of people in their 20s sharing an apartment complex on Melrose Place in Los Angeles. —

Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2024 And at least for now, the melodramatic calcio media has taken a week off. —

David Ferrini, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for melodramatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for melodramatic

Adjective

The decrease is attributed to lower revenues from theatrical releases, licensing, and linear networks, partially offset by growth in streaming services.

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
To hit big international sales numbers there usually needs to be a US theatrical assurance.

Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024