dramatization

noun

dra·​ma·​ti·​za·​tion ˌdra-mə-tə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌdrä-

1

: the action of dramatizing

2

: a dramatized version (as of a novel)

Synonyms

• drama
• play

Examples of dramatization in a Sentence

a dramatization of a true story

Recent Examples on the Web

The show is basically a dramatization of how news is made, sometimes manipulated, and monetized. —Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

The movie oscillates between forms—a dramatization of therapy, a cockeyed meditation on family, a two-hour sitcom—as if searching for a new creative frequency. —Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 May 2025

Tipper’s death on Beechwood adds to the dramatization of the Sinclair sisters’ unhealthy competitive dynamic, with the audience earlier discovering that their mom had been secretly supporting them as their various antics led to draining their trust funds. —Alyssa Davis, People.com, 19 June 2025

But if you’re excited by the prospect of Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen playing JonBenét’s parents, this latest unnecessary dramatization may be for you. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 19 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dramatization

• self-dramatization

Rhymes for dramatization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

dramatization

noun

dra·​ma·​ti·​za·​tion

variants or British dramatisation

ˌdram-ət-ə-ˈzā-shən, ˌdräm- 

: the transformation which in psychoanalytic theory the underlying dream thoughts undergo into dramatic and pictorial form before they can take part in the actual dream