dramatize

verb

dra·​ma·​tize ˈdra-mə-ˌtīz  ˈdrä- 

dramatized; dramatizing

transitive verb

1

: to adapt (something, such as a novel) for theatrical presentation

2

: to present or represent in a dramatic manner

intransitive verb

1

: to be suitable for dramatization

2

: to behave dramatically

dramatizable

ˈdra-mə-ˌtī-zə-bəl 

ˈdrä-

adjective

Examples of dramatize in a Sentence

The movie dramatizes her early life.

The book is dramatized in a new play.

I know I tend to dramatize things but it really was awful.

She cited a series of statistics to dramatize the seriousness of the problem.

This tragedy dramatizes the need for improvements in highway safety.

Recent Examples on the Web

To Catch a Predator, which is dramatized in the upcoming thriller film, started out as a Dateline sting segment and ran as a wildly popular program from 2003 to 2007 on NBC. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026

This episode dramatizes the shock of experiencing something truly irreversible. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026

The uncharismatic leader is more likely to qualify, deliberate, acknowledge uncertainty and resist dramatizing the situation. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The Klarsfelds’ pursuit of Barbie was previously dramatized in the 2008 Canal+ television film La Traque, directed by Laurent Jaoui, in which Attal played Serge Klarsfeld opposite Franka Potente as Beate Klarsfeld. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

dramat-, stem in derivation of drama + -ize

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for dramatize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

dramatize

verb

dram·​a·​tize

ˈdram-ə-ˌtīz, 

ˈdräm-

1

: to make into a drama

2

: to present or represent in a dramatic manner

dramatization

ˌdram-ət-ə-ˈzā-shən, 

ˌdräm-

noun