Entry Word: theatrical

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 given to or marked by attention-getting behavior suggestive of stage acting <after stepping out of their hired limousine, the prom couple made a theatrical entrance in their evening clothes>

Synonyms dramatic, histrionic, melodramatic

Related Words overacted, overdone, sensational, staged; conspicuous, elaborate, flamboyant, grandiose, ostentatious, showy; affected, artificial, exaggerated, formal, mannered, pretentious, self-conscious, studied, unnatural

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

Antonyms undramatic, untheatrical

2 having the general quality or effect of a stage performance <in a very theatrical voice the actress announced to the gathering that she did not sign autographs> — see dramatic 1