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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 Simone asks why Devon sounds so dramatic, but again, Simone isn’t getting it. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 22 May 2025 His swings between success and failure are also more dramatic than perhaps any other NBA player’s. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 22 May 2025 The 64 private villa residences will have expansive living and entertaining areas, two master suites, service quarters, a dramatic fireplace, outdoor terraces and a pool. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 May 2025 After all, these playoffs have been remarkably exciting to watch, full of upsets and dramatic finishes. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dramatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dramatic
Adjective
  • This gap is especially noticeable in close relationships, such as those with family and close friends, where shared understanding is critical to maintaining connection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • The impact of that indirect heat was particularly noticeable in our onion test.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • The directors will have their first films fully financed (to a budget of 10 million Danish Krone, or $1.45 million), with a theatrical release guaranteed for Denmark.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
  • The film, which is due to shoot later this year in Hungary, is being lined up for a U.S. theatrical release from Independent Film Company in 2026.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • This news dovetails with previous events, such as Trump welcoming the prominent antisemites Nick Fuentes and Kanye West to his home for dinner.
    Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
  • The cooked agave notes are more prominent on the palate, accompanied by citrus and tropical fruits, a touch of anise/licorice, and a mild pepperiness.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Abel Tesfaye, the singer-songwriter otherwise known as the Weeknd, literally and figuratively sets his old persona on fire in Hurry Up Tomorrow, the companion film to his somber and operatic sixth studio album of the same name.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 16 May 2025
  • As is so often true in operatic productions of recent decades, the default relevance setting is the era of European fascism of nearly a century ago.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Veo 2, the current version, can generate 4K video clips from text prompts with remarkable control over cinematic elements like camera angles and lens types.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • In the past several weeks, President Donald Trump, who has never been fastidious about separating public and private business, has been involved in a remarkable number of potential conflicts of interest.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Which ever of the two superstars steps up the biggest tonight can give their team a commanding lead as the series starts to come to a close.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Adam Henrique scored twice in what was a brutally physical first period, sparking the Oilers to a dominant 3-0 win to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round series.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • It’s got a wide range from super fine powdery grains to cracked peppercorns and has impressive output with fewer twists.
    Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 May 2025
  • Smartphone Deals The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a lightweight, compact, beautifully designed foldable smartphone featuring impressive hardware, AI capabilities, and a bright, large screen perfect for watching videos and multitasking.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Parker, 60, wore a striking navy raw silk gown completed with Vivienne Westwood's signature corset design.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 22 May 2025
  • Per Schaeffer’s Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White, LNG has been within striking distance of this trendline five other times in the past three years.
    Schaeffer's Investment Research, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dramatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dramatic. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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