dramatic

adjective dra·mat·ic \ drə-ˈma-tik \

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of dramatic

1 literature : of or relating to the drama

a dramatic actor

2 a : suitable to or characteristic of the drama

a dramatic story

a dramatic attempt to escape

a dramatic comeback

b : striking in appearance or effect

a dramatic pause

3 of an opera singer : having a powerful voice and a declamatory style — compare lyric

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dramatically

play \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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Examples of dramatic in a Sentence

His parents noticed a dramatic change in his behavior.
There was a dramatic increase in prices.
The book tells the dramatic story of her battle with cancer.
She made a dramatic entrance wearing a bright red dress.
There was a dramatic pause before his big announcement.
The painter used dramatic colors.
They are members of the local dramatic society.

Recent Examples of dramatic from the Web

Braun, for dramatic effect, gets them mixed up sometimes himself.

— robert king, Indianapolis Star, "Mike Braun, a Republican Senate candidate, brings casual attire but serious business credentials," 12 Apr. 2018
And as the scorelines indicate, Orlando has a flair for the dramatic.

— jonathan tannenwald, Philly.com, "Union hope to snap out of scoring funk against Orlando City's struggling defense," 11 Apr. 2018
This would be mostly for dramatic effect, but in keeping with this week’s corporate theater.

— nitasha tiku, WIRED, "Four Questions Congress Should Actually Ask Mark Zuckerberg," 10 Apr. 2018
The result is a seamless, collaborative weave of documentary and narrative filmmaking in which every scene, even when heightened for dramatic effect, has a bone-deep authenticity.

— justin chang, latimes.com, "Chloé Zhao's cowboy drama 'The Rider' is a moving, lyrical tale of loss and recovery," 10 Apr. 2018
The 2019 Sierra is larger overall, has a bolder schnoz and uses new lighting technology to dramatic effect.

— jeff yip, Houston Chronicle, "GMC hatches next-gen 2019 half-ton, offers off-road version, carbon-fiber bed," 7 Apr. 2018
To mark the release of her brand’s Lash Warrior Mascara, Barrymore released a short commercial-like video to show off the dramatic lengthening effects.

— shannon barbour, The Cut, "Drew Barrymore Unleashes Her Best Smolder in New Mascara Ad," 3 Apr. 2018
The Memphis museum uses light to dramatic effect, but in a very different way.

— holland cotter, New York Times, "50 Years After Dr. King’s Death, New Lessons for Today," 28 Mar. 2018
Portrait photographers went to elaborate lengths to stage celebrities for dramatic effect in faux interiors.

— kim sajet, Smithsonian, "How Portraiture Gave Rise to the Glamour of Guns," 23 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dramatic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of dramatic

see drama

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1589

See Words from the same year

dramatic Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of dramatic

dramatic, theatrical, histrionic, melodramatic mean having a character or an effect like that of acted plays. dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply.