dramatization

noun

dra·​ma·​ti·​za·​tion ˌdra-mə-tə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌdrä-

1

: the action of dramatizing

2

: a dramatized version (as of a novel)

Synonyms

• drama
• play

Examples of dramatization in a Sentence

a dramatization of a true story

Recent Examples on the Web

Combining investigative journalism, DNA analysis and cinematic dramatization, the docuseries examines four competing theories about Columbus’ origins and the mystery around the titles bestowed on him by the Catholic Monarchs. —Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025

Yes, House of Guinness is based on the real-life history of the Guinness family, though, as is true of many dramatizations, certain liberties have been taken. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025

An early dramatization of Pride and Prejudice by the socialist feminist playwright Margaret Macnamara retitles her adaptation Elizabeth Refuses (1926), which highlights this very point. —Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025

But in 2008, during the financial crisis, Miller doubled down on bets in the collapsing financial sector — a moment immortalized (with minor dramatization) in The Big Short. —Tim Maurer, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dramatization

• self-dramatization

Rhymes for dramatization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

dramatization

noun

dra·​ma·​ti·​za·​tion

variants or British dramatisation

ˌdram-ət-ə-ˈzā-shən, ˌdräm- 

: the transformation which in psychoanalytic theory the underlying dream thoughts undergo into dramatic and pictorial form before they can take part in the actual dream