1
a
literature
: a composition (see composition sense 5a) in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance : play compare closet drama
b
: a movie or television production with characteristics (such as conflict) of a serious play
broadly
: a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject
a police drama
2
literature
: dramatic art, literature, or affairs
English drama
3
a
: a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces
the drama of the past week
dealing with some family drama
b
: dramatic state, effect, or quality
the drama of the courtroom proceedings
Synonyms of drama
Examples of drama in a Sentence
He is reading an ancient Greek drama.
I prefer drama to comedy.
His interest in drama began at a very young age.
She studied drama in college.
the dramas of teenage life
She watched the drama unfold as they began screaming at each other.
a competition full of drama
the drama of the courtroom proceedings
Recent Examples on the Web
The match ended with drama in the final seconds when Scotland had a corner kick in the 96th minute, the last of stoppage time.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
On the flip side, HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms was categorized as a drama, despite 30-ish-minute episodes and creator Ira Parker repeatedly talking about how the show is a comedy.
—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
20 June 2026
As these events unfold, Early’s earnestness blurs comedy and drama, to surprisingly heartfelt effect.
—
Ct Jones,
Rolling Stone,
20 June 2026
Starring Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson, the wrongful conviction drama was originally set to run though July 12 at the James Earl Jones Theatre, but dwindling box office and a Tony Awards shut out prompted producers to quietly cancel the final two weeks of performances.
—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for drama
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
On the flip side, HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms was categorized as a drama, despite 30-ish-minute episodes and creator Ira Parker repeatedly talking about how the show is a comedy.
—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
20 June 2026
As these events unfold, Early’s earnestness blurs comedy and drama, to surprisingly heartfelt effect.
—
Ct Jones,
Rolling Stone,
20 June 2026
Starring Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson, the wrongful conviction drama was originally set to run though July 12 at the James Earl Jones Theatre, but dwindling box office and a Tony Awards shut out prompted producers to quietly cancel the final two weeks of performances.
—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for drama
Cite this Entry
“Drama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drama. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
1
a
: a written work that tells a story through action and speech and is meant to be acted on a stage : play
b
: a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject
2
: dramatic art, literature, or affairs
3
a
: an exciting event or series of events
the drama of the basketball playoffs
b
: dramatic effect or quality
used colored lighting for drama
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