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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 Continue reading … IN OTHER NEWS TREND REVERSAL – Young adults abandoning trans identities in dramatic shift. FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025 New York’s backup quarterback was perceived to be responding to comments made by Denver head coach Payton after the Broncos’ dramatic fourth quarter comeback to beat the Giants on Sunday. Frank Nunns Oconnell, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025 The forecast never looked so dramatic before. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025 If a solution to these issues is not found anytime soon, Windy City is staring down at dramatic service cuts next year. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dramatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dramatic
Adjective
  • But people in the control group didn’t have a noticeable change.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 23 Oct. 2025
  • To economists like Zandi, however, the country still remains at high risk of entering a downturn, with inflation, softness in the labor market and noticeable declines in consumer confidence weighing on their forecasts.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Final Finale is the result of a joint effort between Bleecker Street, the distributor of The End Continues and a recent This Is Spinal Tap theatrical re-release, and Vertigo Live, which has produced concert films for acts like Duran Duran and Billy Idol.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
  • His 2024 mixtape Underworld imagines what that would be like by morphing the sinister choir-drill popularized by guys like Ot7Quanny and Hood Tali P into full-on theatrical horrorcore.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 4-2-3-1 formation has been one of the most prominent systems used across Europe since the turn of the century, adopted by some of the best tacticians in modern football.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • While there’s some grappling between the big three, Amazon, Microsoft and Google remain by far the prominent cloud computing providers for AI applications, according to Emarketer senior analyst Jacob Bourne — and their futures depend at least in part on serving AI demand.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Oscar Isaac makes for an operatic Victor Frankenstein, the egotistical scientist determined to play god, while Jacob Elordi portrays his creation as a pained soul struggling to be loved.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
  • That desire apparently only lasts until the first opportunity to show Charlie Hunnam masturbating in frilly lingerie; from there, operatic monstrosity ensues.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As if the cobalt blue cabinets and arch details weren’t remarkable enough, this kitchen incorporates multiple playful patterns.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Nix had just followed an anemic first three quarters with a remarkable finishing kick for the second time in three games.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, Reeves became Estragon, the more simplistic and long-suffering of the duo, while Winter tackled Vladimir, the more commanding and verbose character.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Since the late 90s, Jungen has forged a name for himself internationally through his commanding sculptural practice.
    News Desk, Artforum, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This was an impressive tournament that will have surely turned heads.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The most popular ghost story of this cemetery is that of Rufina Cambaceres, a 19-year-old girl who was laid to rest in 1902 in an impressive art nouveau mausoleum.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Novartis has been proactively striking deals this year to address the impending patent cliff for some of its blockbuster drugs, including Entresto for heart failure, Xolair for asthma and Cosentyx for autoimmune diseases.
    Reuters, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
  • View gallery - 7 images New York City has gained a striking addition to its iconic skyline.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dramatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dramatic. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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