dramatic

adjective

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dra·mat·ic | \ drə-ˈma-tik

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 Phrases Containing dramatic Learn More About dramatic

Synonyms & Antonyms for dramatic

Synonyms

Antonyms

undramatic

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web In electric vehicles, the effect of larger wheels is more dramatic. — Nerdwallet, cleveland, 6 Aug. 2022 But the Trump Effect on this primary may not be as dramatic as in other states where Trump was a more central issue in the race. — Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2022 Their attempt to unseat her has been occasionally dramatic -- beginning in May, when the two leading Republican challengers were kicked off the ballot for not having enough valid signatures, officials said. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2022 Wildly is more dramatic, and English speakers seem to like that. — Melissa Mohr, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Aug. 2022 While their real-life relationship isn't quite as dramatic as their fictional counterparts, the ups and downs of their love story have fans rooting for them both on screen and off. — Hollee Actman Becker, PEOPLE.com, 1 Aug. 2022 Most dramatic is a quarter-mile passageway called Chasm of Doom. — Graham Averill, Outside Online, 1 Aug. 2022 The difference between 3500 and non-3500 can be really dramatic. — Sascha Segan, PCMAG, 1 Aug. 2022 Our yearly fluctuations are dramatic, and even an average year feels like a bit of a whipsaw. — Dave Epstein, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Aug. 2022 See More

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.