melodrama
noun
melo·dra·ma
ˈme-lə-ˌdrä-mə 
-ˌdra-
1
a
: a work (such as a movie or play) characterized by extravagant theatricality and by the predominance of plot and physical action over characterization
an actor with a flair for melodrama
b
: the genre (see genre sense 1) of dramatic literature constituted by such works
2
: something resembling a melodrama especially in having a sensational or theatrical quality
The trial turned into a melodrama.
Examples of melodrama in a Sentence
Critics dismissed his work as melodrama.
an actor with a talent for melodrama
She is starring in another melodrama.
The trial turned into a melodrama.
a life full of melodrama
Recent Examples on the Web
What should be a tender, feminist-minded story centered on a young woman rediscovering her dormant childhood dreamer turns into a middling melodrama about being with a cute guy in desperate need of her rescue.
—
Courtney Howard, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025
Dunham’s genius, and what made Girls a legitimate cultural event, was to meld heartfelt James L. Brooks-style melodrama with brutally honest reportage about millennial mores, desires, and deficits.
—Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
Still, irrespective of some minor script weaknesses, Broe’s good-looking first feature conveys emotional maturity and a wrenching depth of feeling, without ever tipping into melodrama.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
Among the key players in this year’s budget melodrama, Newsom is easily the most fiscally responsible.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
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Courtney Howard, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025
Dunham’s genius, and what made Girls a legitimate cultural event, was to meld heartfelt James L. Brooks-style melodrama with brutally honest reportage about millennial mores, desires, and deficits.
—Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
Still, irrespective of some minor script weaknesses, Broe’s good-looking first feature conveys emotional maturity and a wrenching depth of feeling, without ever tipping into melodrama.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
Among the key players in this year’s budget melodrama, Newsom is easily the most fiscally responsible.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
Cite this Entry
“Melodrama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melodrama. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
melodrama
noun
melo·dra·ma
ˈmel-ə-ˌdräm-ə
-ˌdram-
1
a
: a work (as a movie or play) marked by the exaggerated emotions of the characters and the importance of action and plot
b
: such works as a group
2
: melodramatic events or behavior
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