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Synonym Chooser

How is the word dramatic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dramatic are histrionic, melodramatic, and theatrical. While all these words 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

In what contexts can histrionic take the place of dramatic?

Although the words histrionic and dramatic have much in common, histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

When would melodramatic be a good substitute for dramatic?

While in some cases nearly identical to dramatic, melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism.

made a melodramatic plea

When can theatrical be used instead of dramatic?

While the synonyms theatrical and dramatic are close in meaning, theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression.

a theatrical oration

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dramatic What To Know The satellite image showed the U.S. carrier that lost the plane making a dramatic turn on April 25. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 The additional charge of kidnapping resulting in death marked a dramatic shift in the case surrounding Ana’s disappearance from her Madrid apartment. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2025 Investment banks are warning of a potential structural decline in the U.S. dollar , citing risks ranging from dramatic shifts in U.S. trade policy to the potential unwinding of massive foreign investments in American assets. Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2025 McIlroy got the job done in a dramatic playoff over Justin Rose after a topsy-turvy final round that featured plenty of ups and downs. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dramatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dramatic
Adjective
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • But within weeks, the change in sentiment was noticeable.
    Pradeep Prasana Kanagaraj, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The big-budget production is nothing short of a theatrical marvel, with Henry’s powers and the Upside Down brought to life using a jaw-dropping mixture of illusions and visual effects created by designers Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher.
    Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The occult realm of Netflix, the streaming service that ensnares viewers in a maze of maybes, has joined forces with Sonia Friedman Productions to convert a piece of prime theatrical real estate into a zone of franchise extension.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • One of the most prominent counterarguments comes from Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), which suggests that governments issuing their own currency can never run out of money.
    Sanford Mann, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • And as longer-term followers of MLS will know, there used to be a slash in one of America’s most prominent clubs, too.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Pierce and Karimloo embrace their characters’ operatic origins, but transform them into musical comedy icons.
    Christian Lewis, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025
  • But for anyone with a taste for operatic violence and fountains of blood as shotgun and assault rifle blasts send bodies flying in slo-mo or dancing like convulsive marionettes, Gareth Evans’ gritty neo-noir will be just the ticket.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In a remarkable political rebound, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals bested Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives after Trump’s tariffs and threats to annex its neighbor changed the fortunes of the governing party, which had been trailing in the polls for years.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
  • Similar to seeing a favorite artist’s concert or your beloved sports team live, Grossman says that attending a rodeo is special due to the fleeting nature of the event—and because of the remarkable athletes.
    Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Just a few days ago, the Golden State Warriors held a commanding 3-1 lead in a first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
  • The Golden State Warriors travel to the Toyota Center to take on the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs, with the Warriors holding a commanding 3-1 lead and the Rockets looking to extend the series.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Cleetus McFarland, the popular automotive YouTuber whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, finished in an impressive P10 in the ARCA Menards Series at Talladega.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Head over to Wayfair or keep scrolling to browse more impressive markdowns during the retailer’s biggest sale of the year, Way Day.
    Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That was really striking to me because California is very loud and proud about its progressive values, and LA is also very loud and proud about its health and wellness.
    Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 29 Apr. 2025
  • That could put it within striking distance of Captain America: Brave New World in the 2025 domestic box-office totals, since that movie made $200 million domestically.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dramatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dramatic. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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