dramatic

adjective

dra·mat·ic | \ drə-ˈma-tik

How to pronounce dramatic (audio)

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Definition of dramatic

1 literature : of or relating to the drama a dramatic actor

2a : 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

Other Words from dramatic Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about dramatic

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Synonyms & Antonyms for dramatic

Synonyms

histrionic, melodramatic, operatic, stagy (or stagey), theatrical (also theatric)

Antonyms

Choose the Right Synonym for 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. a dramatic meeting of world leaders theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression. a theatrical oration histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess. a histrionic show of grief melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism. made a melodramatic plea

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 on the Web

Mayer then challenged actor Jason Statham, who took it on with the most dramatic facial expression ever. — Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, "Bottle cap challenge: Pop star’s surprising entry in latest viral trend," 3 July 2019 Usually, the most dramatic part of human space travel is the liftoff. — Christian Davenport, Washington Post, "NASA faces a key test of Orion spacecraft, as it scrambles to meet Trump moon mandate," 2 July 2019 Now the most dramatic decision of all belongs to the person who has refused to engage with any of it. — Andrew Sharp, SI.com, "NBA Free Agency Is on Fire, but Kawhi Leonard Still Controls Everything," 1 July 2019 During the final three years of García’s first term, the nation’s G.D.P. fell by a quarter, one of the most dramatic recessions in Peru’s history. — Daniel Alarcón, The New Yorker, "What Led Peru’s Former President to Take His Own Life?," 1 July 2019 The most dramatic moment of the evening was arguably when Harris confronted Biden about his opposition to a busing plan to integrate segregated schools, noting that the issue impacted her personally as a child. — Time Staff, Time, "Here's What the Candidates Said During Thursday's Dramatic Democratic Presidential Debate," 29 June 2019 But the most dramatic exchange was not only over policy — but also personal history. — Jonathan Martin, New York Times, "Biden Comes Under Attack From All Sides in Democratic Debate," 27 June 2019 The rise in churchlessness is most dramatic among young Americans. — Gerald F. Seib, WSJ, "Cradles, Pews and the Societal Shifts Coming to Politics," 24 June 2019 Prayer offers perhaps the most dramatic opportunity to study the health benefits of well wishes. — The Conversation, oregonlive.com, "Does Alex Trebek prove ‘thoughts and prayers’ actually work?," 22 June 2019

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.

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Dictionary Entries near dramatic

Statistics for dramatic

Last Updated

7 Jul 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for dramatic

The first known use of dramatic was in 1589

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More Definitions for dramatic

dramatic

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of dramatic

: sudden and extreme

: greatly affecting people's emotions

: attracting attention : causing people to carefully listen, look, etc.

See the full definition for dramatic in the English Language Learners Dictionary

dramatic

adjective

dra·mat·ic | \ drə-ˈma-tik

\

Kids Definition of dramatic

1 : having to do with drama a dramatic actor

2 : attracting attention He made a dramatic entrance.

3 : sudden and extreme a dramatic change

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