dramatic

adjective

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 Learn More about dramatic

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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

Capturing icebergs calving is always a dramatic event. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "A Stunning Video of a Greenland Iceberg Collapse," 10 July 2018 Much of Greenland's ice deposits will occur in dramatic, short-lived events such as this. — Robbie Gonzalez, WIRED, "A Time-Lapsed Glacier Collapse Is the Saddest Science Lesson," 9 July 2018 And, given the volatility of the Trump era, the chance that dramatic events will shift the political landscape remains high. — Benjamin Hart, Daily Intelligencer, "Another Poll Shows Close Race for House Control," 3 June 2018 Chimpanzees are afraid of water, so this is a unique response to a dramatic, natural event. — National Geographic, "What You Think You Know About Animals? Probably Not True," 26 May 2018 Though Pitipat led by two after making a 10-foot birdie putt on 16, the end was dramatic. — Tod Leonard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Thai teem overcomes San Diegan in Junior World duel," 12 July 2018 The move isn’t as dramatic as this year’s blowup in Italian bonds, or steep drops in emerging-market currencies. — Richard Barley, WSJ, "What the Stuttering Corporate Bond Market Means for Stocks," 9 July 2018 On Friday, meanwhile, that Trump-Putin summit was given a dramatic complication, when the US Justice Department announced new charges were being filed against 12 Russian intelligence officers accused of hacking Democratic Party emails. — Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, "How strong a Europe does US want? In Trump era, that's still the issue.," 13 July 2018 An international co-production between Ukraine, Germany and Monaco, director Roman Bondarchuk's first dramatic feature is a mix of Kafka-esque road movie and contemporary western, rich in sumptuous visuals and lyrical strangeness. — Stephen Dalton, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Volcano': Film Review | Karlovy Vary 2018," 13 July 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.