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

Example 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 melodramatic Normally suits are dry reading but this one has melodramatic flair. Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 19 May 2025 And yet that scene, as well as the long mourning period Mahnaz goes through afterwards, is followed by several more melodramatic twists in a scenario that requires a certain level of disbelief. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025 That Kamen’s script would attempt to marry these concepts with some grand-gesture stuff, real tear-jerking choices that also tend to read as quite cheesy, doesn’t surprise — after all, what’s more melodramatic than life itself? Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 May 2025 The film’s blank spaces and ambiguities linger even after a melodramatic pivot that’s easily seen coming, and will entice and confound viewers in equal measure. Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for melodramatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melodramatic
Adjective
  • An overwhelming majority of them, 81%, also want an exclusive theatrical window on new releases lasting at least six weeks, while 77% believe that day-and-date streaming releases have a negative impact on the theatrical model.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 22 June 2025
  • His remarks were read at the theatrical performance of Proyecto Ugaz.
    Amalia Huot-Marchand, The Hill, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Males are slightly smaller than females and are known for dramatic courtship displays involving rapid wing beats and vocal trills.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Most economists think May’s figures signal a dramatic downshift to come.
    Irina Ivanova, Fortune, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Italian operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti and Canadian rocker Bryan Adams played the venue too.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025
  • With Burton's departure, however, what had been a filmed graphic novel returned to comic-book clashes; Joel Schumacher traded operatic style for sitcom puns well suited to casual video viewing.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 15 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Melodramatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melodramatic. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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