Synonyms of theater

theater

noun

ˈthē-ə-tər 

variants or theatre

1

as in playhouse

a building or part of a building where movies are shown

there's still one theater in town that shows independent films

Synonyms & Similar Words

• playhouse
• cinema
• multiplex
• nickelodeon
• drive-in
• plex
• megaplex
• art theater
• art house
• cinematheque
• fleapit
• grind house

2

as in drama

the public performance of plays

have been fascinated by the theater ever since I was a child

Synonyms & Similar Words

• drama
• stage
• production
• entertainment
• acting
• theatricals
• theatrics
• dramatics
• exhibition
• recreation
• show
• boards
• presentation
• amusement
• spectacle
• footlights
• pageant
• diversion
• showbiz
• show business
• pageantry
• distraction

3

as in auditorium

a large room or building for enclosed public gatherings

the lecturer waited until the theater was full before beginning

Synonyms & Similar Words

• auditorium
• amphitheater
• arena
• garden
• playhouse
• hall
• ballroom
• lyceum
• theater-in-the-round
• music hall
• arena theater
• senate
• house
• chamber
• odeum
• cafetorium

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of theater

The woman who died, Erin Piacenti, 32, was one of two people who were stabbed Monday afternoon in the tourist and theater hub, a few blocks from Bank of America’s office tower in New York. — Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

The Basel show traces the roots of Cao’s interest in simulation, as manifested in the parallel realities, generational longing, and everyday social theater experienced by young people during China’s early-2000s boom. — Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

As soon as the Tony and Grammy Award-winner walked on stage to start off the show, the energy in the theater shifted. — Nada Aboul Kheir, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026

Instead, the Fox will use the space to capture interviews, podcasts and videos while designating the area for media to interview talent at the theater. — Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026