theatrical

¹the·at·ri·cal

adjective \thē-ˈa-tri-kəl\

Definition of THEATRICAL

1

: of or relating to the theater or the presentation of plays <a theatrical costume>

2

: marked by pretense or artificiality of emotion

3

a : histrionic <a theatrical gesture>

b : marked by extravagant display or exhibitionism

— the·at·ri·cal·ism \-kə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

— the·at·ri·cal·i·ty \-ˌa-trə-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun

— the·at·ri·cal·ly \-ˈa-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Variants of THEATRICAL

the·at·ri·cal also the·at·ric \-trik\

Examples of THEATRICAL

1. a politician who has a highly theatrical manner of speaking
2. <after stepping out of their hired limousine, the prom couple made a theatrical entrance in their evening clothes>

First Known Use of THEATRICAL

1558

Related to THEATRICAL

Synonyms

dramatic, hammy, histrionic, melodramatic, stagy (or stagey)

Antonyms

undramatic

Related Words

actorish, actorly, actressy; overacted, overdone, sensational, staged; conspicuous, elaborate, flamboyant, grandiose, ostentatious, showy; affected, artificial, exaggerated, mannered, pretentious, self-conscious, studied, unnatural

Near Antonyms

nondramatic, nontheatrical, unaffected, underplayed, unpretentious; muted, restrained, subdued, toned (down); conservative, discreet, inconspicuous; modest, plain, quiet, simple

See Synonym Discussion at dramatic

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

²theatrical

noun

Definition of THEATRICAL

1

plural

a : the performance of plays

b : dramatics

2

British : a professional actor

3

plural : showy or extravagant gestures

First Known Use of THEATRICAL

circa 1683

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany