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1

theatrical

play
adjective the·at·ri·cal \thē-ˈa-tri-kəl\
variants: or less commonly

theatric

play \-trik\

Definition of theatrical

  1. 1 :  of or relating to the theater or the presentation of plays a theatrical costume

  2. 2 :  marked by pretense or artificiality of emotion

  3. 3a :  histrionic a theatrical gestureb :  marked by extravagant display or exhibitionism

theatricalism

play \-kə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

theatricality

play \-ˌa-trə-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun

theatrically

play \-ˈa-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See theatrical defined for English-language learners

See theatrical defined for kids

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Examples of theatrical in a Sentence

  1. a politician who has a highly theatrical manner of speaking

  2. after stepping out of their hired limousine, the prom couple made a theatrical entrance in their evening clothes

First Known Use of theatrical

1558

theatrical Synonyms

Synonyms
dramatic, hammy, histrionic, melodramatic, stagy (or stagey)
Antonyms
undramatic
Related Words
actorish, actorly, actressy; overacted, overdone, sensational, staged; conspicuous, elaborate, flamboyant, grandiose, ostentatious, showy; affected, artificial, exaggerated, mannered, pretentious, self-conscious, studied, unnatural
Near Antonyms
nondramatic, nontheatrical, unaffected, underplayed, unpretentious; muted, restrained, subdued, toned (down); conservative, discreet, inconspicuous; modest, plain, quiet, simple

Synonym Discussion of theatrical

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

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

2

theatrical

noun the·at·ri·cal

Definition of theatrical

  1. 1 theatricals plural a :  the performance of playsb :  dramatics

  2. 2 British :  a professional actor

  3. 3 theatricals plural :  showy or extravagant gestures

First Known Use of theatrical

circa 1683

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

THEATRICAL Defined for English Language Learners

theatrical

play
adjective

Definition of theatrical for English Language Learners

  • : of or relating to the theater

  • : behaving or done in a way that is meant to attract attention and that is often not genuine or sincere

THEATRICAL Defined for Kids

theatrical

play
adjective the·at·ri·cal \thē-ˈa-tri-kəl\

Definition of theatrical for Students

  1. :  for or relating to the presentation of plays a theatrical production theatrical costumes

Learn More about theatrical

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for theatrical Spanish Central: Translation of theatrical Nglish: Translation of theatrical for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of theatrical for Arabic speakers

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Examples: theatrical in a Sentence
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