Synonym Chooser

How is the word histrionic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of histrionic are dramatic, melodramatic, and theatrical. While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

When could dramatic be used to replace histrionic?

The synonyms dramatic and histrionic are sometimes interchangeable, but dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply.

a dramatic meeting of world leaders

Where would melodramatic be a reasonable alternative to histrionic?

In some situations, the words melodramatic and histrionic are roughly equivalent. However, melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism.

made a melodramatic plea

When is it sensible to use theatrical instead of histrionic?

The meanings of theatrical and histrionic largely overlap; however, 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 histrionic As a piece of political rhetoric, the word has become numbingly histrionic. Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2025 This may sound like the setup for a histrionic sci-fi soap opera. Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025 Where so much of onscreen storytelling at the time was steeped in histrionic levels of sincerity and reverence for American institutions, Hill’s film had no interest in promoting the status quo or hiding whatever rottenness is present in this country’s criminal-justice system. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2024 This is histrionic and fun and has a nice ending with Michael Longfellow. EW.com, 8 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for histrionic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for histrionic
Adjective
  • An overwhelming majority of them, 81%, also want an exclusive theatrical window on new releases lasting at least six weeks, while 77% believe that day-and-date streaming releases have a negative impact on the theatrical model.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 22 June 2025
  • His remarks were read at the theatrical performance of Proyecto Ugaz.
    Amalia Huot-Marchand, The Hill, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • The second floor is anchored by a dramatic double reception room with soaring ceilings and humongous sash windows opening onto a 24-foot-long balcony offering front-row views of Queen Mary’s Rose Garden.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 June 2025
  • This story begged for the dramatic delay that is built in.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • With Burton's departure, however, what had been a filmed graphic novel returned to comic-book clashes; Joel Schumacher traded operatic style for sitcom puns well suited to casual video viewing.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 15 June 2025
  • The operatic action and intriguing exposition is there, but this solid third installment winds up a good but not great effort, owing to a convoluted last act and underdeveloped supporting characters.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Histrionic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/histrionic. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on histrionic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!