Definition of histrionicnext

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 Fifty years ago, after the histrionic sixth game of the World Series at Fenway Park, Peter Gammons wrote perhaps the most lyrical prose ever penned about a baseball game. Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025 The actor who played the lovably histrionic Cameron Tucker on the ABC sitcom playfully flipped out over his onscreen husband, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, posting a picture from a series mini-reunion on Monday. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025 These two are rarely histrionic. Noel Murray, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025 As bills were called up for debate, members lined up to ask questions about them, and the questions were often laden with histrionic and hyperbolic language. John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for histrionic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for histrionic
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
  • The baker's dozen invited to the event on Wednesday represents a dramatic increase from last season.
    Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The growth in connected TV usage proved most dramatic in Indonesia and the Philippines, highlighting how living room viewing on large screens is becoming central to the streaming category’s evolution.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 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

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Cite this Entry

“Histrionic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/histrionic. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on histrionic

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