THEATRICAL Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of theatrical are dramatic , histrionic , and melodramatic . While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression. // a theatrical oration

Q: When would 'dramatic' be a good substitute for 'theatrical'?

While in some cases nearly identical to theatrical , 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 'theatrical'?

The synonyms histrionic and theatrical are sometimes interchangeable, but histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess. // a histrionic show of grief

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

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

theatrical

adjective

thē-ˈa-tri-kəl

variants also theatric

Definition of theatrical next

as in dramatic

given to or marked by attention-getting behavior suggestive of stage acting after stepping out of their hired limousine, the prom couple made a theatrical entrance in their evening clothes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in operatic

having the general quality or effect of a stage performance in a very theatrical voice the actress announced to the gathering that she did not sign autographs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word theatrical distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of theatrical are dramatic, histrionic, and melodramatic. While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression.

a theatrical oration

When would dramatic be a good substitute for theatrical?

While in some cases nearly identical to theatrical, 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 theatrical?

The synonyms histrionic and theatrical are sometimes interchangeable, but histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

When is it sensible to use melodramatic instead of theatrical?

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

made a melodramatic plea

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 theatrical Film Forum is screening the U.S. theatrical premiere of Werner Herzog’s 2022 documentary Theater Of Thought. —

Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024 While a certain type of theatrical Scrooge has moved and is moving into the past history of both companies, shifting towards a new and vibrant holiday lore still imbued with familiarity is exciting. —

David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024 Does Bob Iger get, like, a spot bonus for moving it to a theatrical release? —

Charlie Mason, TVLine, 13 Dec. 2024 Shooting on 28 Years Later has wrapped, with the theatrical release date set for June 20, 2025. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for theatrical