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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Synonyms & Antonyms for dramatic

Synonyms

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

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bachelorette Becca Kufrin has narrowed down the field of potential suitors to six remaining men after a dramatic sixth episode on Monday night. — Nick Schwartz, For The Win, "Bachelorette Power Rankings: Becca finally realizes that Chris is the worst," 3 July 2018 Things took a dramatic turn at the end of the acclaimed BBC America series Killing Eve, even by the standards of this twisting spy thriller. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "Killing Eve: Everything We Know So Far About Season 2," 24 Dec. 2018 The dramatic arrest of celebrity-CEO Carlos Ghosn is rocking the automotive industry. — Megumi Fujikawa, WSJ, "While Ghosn’s Picture Worsens, Ex-Nissan Director Kelly Sees Hope," 21 Dec. 2018 The fact that Snap’s daily audience is shrinking represents a rather dramatic turn from two years ago when Snap added 21 million daily users in the same quarter. — Kurt Wagner, Recode, "Snapchat’s daily user base is shrinking, and it’s blaming that app redesign," 7 Aug. 2018 However, Payet now could be heading back to the London Stadium in another dramatic turn of events for the Frenchman, who has been capped 35 times by his country. — SI.com, "Former West Ham Star 'Open to Return' to London Stadium as Agent Pushes for Shock Reunion," 6 July 2018 Meanwhile, after a high of 91 on Thursday afternoon at Philadelphia International Airport on a day with heat indexes in the upper 90s, the weather evidently is about to take a dramatic turn. — Anthony R. Wood, Philly.com, "Philadelphia reports first heat wave death in two years; flood watch in effect," 5 July 2018 The style shifts didn’t have to be dramatic in order to resonate. — Vogue, "This Week, Stars Went for Bold Gestures and Bright Colors," 25 Mar. 2019 While the progress against the four major cancers is cause for celebration, in other cancers, the gains haven’t been as dramatic — or there have been reversals. — Julia Belluz, Vox, "We’re making real progress against cancer. But you may not know it if you’re poor.," 8 Jan. 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.