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

Examples of melodramatic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And at least for now, the melodramatic calcio media has taken a week off. David Ferrini, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024 However, longtime Almodóvar fans may resonate most with the film’s melodramatic beats and signature style, which could feel unfamiliar to new viewers. Clayton Davis, Variety, 7 Sep. 2024 This is not one of those melodramatic movies where the mother has a nervous breakdown after the husband, unable to handle the pressure of kids, takes off with his personal assistant. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Sep. 2024 Rather than making explicit changes in perspective or voice, Shepherd lets the shifting locales and the novel’s array of forms dictate its tone, which leaps from romantic to frenetic to melodramatic. Stephen Kearse, The Atlantic, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for melodramatic 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'melodramatic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near melodramatic

Cite this Entry

“Melodramatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melodramatic. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on melodramatic

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