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 Tang Ren’s histrionic, oftentimes scatological behavior is offset by Qin Feng’s almost superhuman intuition, and director Chen Sicheng has repeatedly doffed his cap to the BBC’s hugely successful series Sherlock, not least in the vivid visualisations of Holmes’ deductive reasoning. James Marsh, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for histrionic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for histrionic
Adjective
  • But theatrical Leo parents may need reminding that rules and structure are essential in parenting too, says Brown.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • How to Train Your Dragon will likely arrive on Peacock around three to four months after its theatrical premiere in June 2025, putting the release date around September or October 2025.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Brewers' dramatic extra-innings win Wednesday sealed a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
  • Amanda Anisimova of the United States reacts during her dramatic victory against Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships.
    / CBS News, CBS News, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The chorus is essentially one word (peaches) repeated incessantly with operatic bombast.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • The Call Her Daddy host performed the classic track during the seventh-inning stretch of the game between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Sunday night, offering an operatic take alongside two backup performers that elicited boos from the packed stadium.
    EW.com, EW.com, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Histrionic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/histrionic. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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