dramatize

verb

dra·​ma·​tize ˈdra-mə-ˌtīz How to pronounce dramatize (audio) ˈdrä- How to pronounce dramatize (audio)
dramatized; dramatizing
Synonyms of dramatizenext

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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The script stemmed from the desire to dramatize some situations and also the desire to shoot those scenes. Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026 When Gordon’s nephew, John Paul Getty III, was kidnapped in Italy in 1973, Bill was dispatched with the ransom (a story dramatized in the FX series Trust, with Harris Dickinson as John Paul Getty III). Maya Singer, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026 There have been countless examples of bizarre true crimes dramatized for television, but this is a particularly strong entry, anchored by a trio of great performances (Christina Hendricks makes an absolute meal out of her supporting role). Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026 The film dramatizes a comedy writer dealing with his sister’s suicide and stars Cooper Raiff, one of the Duplass’ directing protegés, as well as David Duchovny, Hope Davis and Kaitlyn Dever. Brent Lang, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dramatize

Word History

Etymology

dramat-, stem in derivation of drama + -ize

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dramatize was in 1762

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Cite this Entry

“Dramatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dramatize. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

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

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