Definition of dramaticnext
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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 Sports has never been part of this mix, but its recent dramatic growth, including soaring team valuations and the influx of investors from private equity and hedge funds, caught Citizens’ attention. Luisa Beltran, Sportico.com, 18 Feb. 2026 The mileage rules change coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw dramatic increases in prices for cars and many other goods. Keith Laing, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026 Ian won his championship via pin, then a few minutes later, Amelia scored a late reversal to cement a dramatic victory in her title match. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026 Benfica started the game confidently after their dramatic 4-2 win against Madrid in the final league-phase game in January, but the visiting side began to dominate in the lead-up to half-time. Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dramatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dramatic
Adjective
  • Others, like the taller H2 model, focused on theatrical flourishes.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
  • With around $40 million stateside, and another $40 million internationally, the film appears poised to break Hollywood's string of box office flops as the industry continues to fret over the increasingly dire economics of theatrical releases.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Over time, that constant effort can lead to noticeable eyestrain, headaches or fatigue –particularly after reading, computer work or other close-up tasks.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Kaufman had last seen Weir in 2011, but the change was noticeable.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet the performance never quite reaches the operatic madness one associates with the character.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Layton and his editorial team don’t quite know how to cut all the pieces into an operatic, satisfying whole.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The absence that has lingered over the Boston Red Sox world for the last five weeks was especially prominent Sunday as the team held its first full-squad workout of 2026.
    Gabrielle Starr, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Some cultural events featuring prominent Israelis since the start of the war in Gaza have been subject to anti-Israel demonstrations.
    Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Volantis rode a uniquely dynamic sinker and borderline unhittable slider to a remarkable freshman season pitching out of the bullpen.
    David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The local crowd cheered loudly for Brignone, who won gold in the super-G three days earlier and has made a remarkable comeback from a devastating crash in the Italian championships 10 months ago.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In an indictment Thursday, federal prosecutors said Kevin Taylor attempted to steer an $11 million contract toward the company, SaferWatch, while serving as the commanding officer of the department's School Safety Division.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The President demoted Greg Bovino, the commanding agent in charge of the roving patrols that have besieged Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, and Minneapolis.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Known for its arts and music festivals, incredible food, gorgeous squares, and impressive museums, the city also boasts easy beach access with Tybee Island just a quick hop, skip, and a jump away.
    Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Pundits are piling on, with the groupthink of armchair analysts reflexively comparing American’s stock chart to admittedly impressive peers such as Delta and United, without recognizing their differences as compared to American, which flies the world’s largest number of passengers by far.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The black-sesame mochi, served with charcoal-vanilla ice cream and black-sesame praline, is playful and striking.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Named after the ring-servants of the Dark Lord Sauron in The Lord of the Rings, Nazgul is a Czechoslovakian wolfdog, a rare and visually striking breed.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dramatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dramatic. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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