melodramatic

adjective

melo·​dra·​mat·​ic ˌme-lə-drə-ˈma-tik 

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of melodrama

a luridly melodramatic script

2

: appealing to the emotions : sensational

the fund-raiser's desperate, melodramatic appeal for more donations

melodramatically

ˌme-lə-drə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of melodramatic

• dramatic
• theatrical

Choose the Right Synonym for melodramatic

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 melodramatic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps Olyphant stands out so much because his character is transparently one thing, whereas similarly exciting talents like Sevigny, Hall, and Carden have to sell rounder arcs laden with melodramatic traps. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 July 2026

The single’s success was enhanced by the popularity of its melodramatic music video, directed by Russell Mulcahy. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 9 July 2026

Patriot Front’s focus on the internet is evident in the melodramatic and platitude-laden, nationalist rhetoric Rousseau used in a speech after the Washington event. — Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

The clip resembles a melodramatic reality TV scene, with Cunningham’s unwavering eye contact and powerful pointing finger proving strangely compelling. — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for melodramatic

• adiabatic
• aristocratic
• asymptomatic
• axiomatic
• diagrammatic
• diaphragmatic
• electrostatic
• endolymphatic
• epigrammatic
• homeostatic
• idiomatic
• magnetostatic

Kids Definition

melodramatic

adjective

melo·​dra·​mat·​ic ˌmel-ə-drə-ˈmat-ik 

1

: of or relating to melodrama

2

: resembling or suitable for melodrama : sensational

melodramatically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb