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 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 While criticism of some of the album’s more inflammatory content ranged from the thoughtful to the histrionic, all of it served the purpose of making Eminem not just the biggest star, but the most unavoidable topic of conversation in early 2000s pop culture. Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for histrionic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for histrionic
Adjective
  • Greenwich Entertainment previously secured North American distribution rights in a deal with UTA Independent Film Group, with a theatrical release planned for later this year.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • The film will get a theatrical release from A24 on Aug. 22 before arriving on Apple TV+ on Sept. 5.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • After all, these playoffs have been remarkably exciting to watch, full of upsets and dramatic finishes.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 11 May 2025
  • But the real draw is the close-ups on slices of pork bubbling and sizzling on hot grills, plus the dramatic pans over bowls of banchan.
    Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • North Coast Symphony presents ‘Voices of Spring’ The North Coast Symphony Orchestra presents Voices of Spring, a program of operatic favorites, on Saturday, May 17 at 2:30 p.m. at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdelena, Encinitas.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
  • The fourth and final season of HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones wrapped up with a bang—well, multiple bangs—on Sunday night, closing out another madcap adventure with our favorite profane evangelical preacher clan in the most ludicrous and operatic way possible.
    Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 5 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Histrionic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/histrionic. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on histrionic

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