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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 Soon, attention will turn back to the pitch for what will probably be another dramatic campaign. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025 But to reinvent himself as an equally effective comedic and dramatic actor in his late 40s and 50s — largely due to his roles as Saul Goodman and Jimmy McGill on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul — is something nobody saw coming. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025 And, if her social media track record is any indication, the big reveal is likely to come with a dramatic, staged photo op. Tabitha Parent, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Spike Lee’s mastery in joining the protagonist’s dramatic emotional beats with the uptick of musical tempo illuminates the filmmaker’s intuitive skill of hearing story pacing in music. Malik Peay, Essence, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dramatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dramatic
Adjective
  • However, many fear this will eventually result in noticeable price hikes for consumers.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
  • But a noticeable upswing in Perseid activity begins during the second week of August, leading up to their peak night.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This helped offset a decline in Motion Pictures revenue, which fell by $175 million year-on-year, driven in part by a softer theatrical slate.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Discovery in the second quarter from A Minecraft Movie to Sinners with theatrical revenue up 38% as the company prepares to separate into two.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • So far, the World Games 2025 is the most prominent global appearance for this hip hop dance form since the Paris Olympics in August 2024, at least in a sporting context.
    Jason Pu, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Sawfish look prehistoric and are named for their most prominent feature: their long, flat rostrum, with spiky scales that look like teeth.
    Jack Prator, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Using their hands to control the different nuances of their operatic speech in real time is a challenge.
    Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • This operatic, expressionist drama is an absolute feast for the eyes, giving fashion aficionados a new North Star and inspiring a cookbook of Lecter’s most delectable dishes.
    Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Windward heightens one’s senses and underscores Lockhart’s remarkable eye for color, composition, light, and shadow.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The law is a remarkable intervention into the operation of private sports businesses and reflects a bewildering failure to learn from the legal structure and operations of American sports leagues.
    Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Garcia has tremendous reflexes and is a commanding presence in the box.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Barnsdall is home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s first Los Angeles commission, Hollyhock House, with its commanding monolithic forms, geometric ornamentation, and modern take on Mayan Revival architecture.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Russian army has historically relied on its ability to deliver impressive firepower through concentrated tube and rocket artillery fire, but these tactics are useless when any attempt to amass forces is identified within minutes.
    ERIC SCHMIDT, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Her content — spanning across beauty tutorials, fashion hauls, and lifestyle vlogs — consistently connects with a devoted Gen-Z audience and averages an impressive 34.7 million views per TikTok post.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That is the title of a striking piece of artwork hung high above the London skyline, depicting a brooding photograph of Mikel Arteta marking out something that looked like stream-of-consciousness ideas in black paint.
    Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
  • With its long, silky coat and striking appearance, the breed is also known for its spirited nature, which can make early training an energetic undertaking.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dramatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dramatic. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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