melodrama
noun
melo·dra·ma
ˈme-lə-ˌdrä-mə 
-ˌdra-
1
a
: a work (such as a movie or play) characterized by extravagant theatricality and by the predominance of plot and physical action over characterization
an actor with a flair for melodrama
b
: the genre (see genre sense 1) of dramatic literature constituted by such works
2
: something resembling a melodrama especially in having a sensational or theatrical quality
The trial turned into a melodrama.
Examples of melodrama in a Sentence
Critics dismissed his work as melodrama.
an actor with a talent for melodrama
She is starring in another melodrama.
The trial turned into a melodrama.
a life full of melodrama
Recent Examples on the Web
Italy has picked Francesco Costabile’s dark melodrama Familia as its Oscar contender for the 2026 Academy Awards in the best international feature film category.
—
Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025
Roofman is by turns ludicrous and sincere, proof that Cianfrance can expand beyond straightforward melodramas without sacrificing intimacy.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025
Characters archly comment on proceedings directly to camera at some points and retreat into the staid distance of historical drama at others, as passages of seemingly earnest melodrama crash abruptly into broad-brush contemporary satire.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
Considering the show’s audience, the decision to turn the story of 1066 into a family melodrama-cum-colonial parable starts to make sense.
—Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
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Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025
Roofman is by turns ludicrous and sincere, proof that Cianfrance can expand beyond straightforward melodramas without sacrificing intimacy.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025
Characters archly comment on proceedings directly to camera at some points and retreat into the staid distance of historical drama at others, as passages of seemingly earnest melodrama crash abruptly into broad-brush contemporary satire.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
Considering the show’s audience, the decision to turn the story of 1066 into a family melodrama-cum-colonial parable starts to make sense.
—Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
Cite this Entry
“Melodrama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melodrama. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
melodrama
noun
melo·dra·ma
ˈmel-ə-ˌdräm-ə
-ˌdram-
1
a
: a work (as a movie or play) marked by the exaggerated emotions of the characters and the importance of action and plot
b
: such works as a group
2
: melodramatic events or behavior
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