theatrical

play

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

variants: or less commonly

theatric

play \-trik\

Definition of theatrical

1 : of or relating to the theater or the presentation of plays a theatrical costume
2 : marked by pretense or artificiality of emotion
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

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Examples of theatrical in a Sentence

a politician who has a highly theatrical manner of speaking
after stepping out of their hired limousine, the prom couple made a theatrical entrance in their evening clothes

1558

First Known Use of theatrical

1558

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