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

Well, there’s a ton of music still on the table to be used, dramatized, and propelled back onto the streaming charts. —Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026

There’s no better way to dramatize the best of human achievement than that painting. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 May 2026

Her death is dramatized in Jersey Boys during a scene where Frankie gets a call about his daughter. —Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 7 May 2026

Co-written by its star Jack Holden and Ed Stambollouian, who directs, the play dramatizes the real-life violence of Ken McElroy, a man who terrorized a small town for years in rural Missouri. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Apr. 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