Synonym Chooser

How is the word melodramatic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of melodramatic are dramatic, histrionic, and theatrical. While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism.

made a melodramatic plea

When is dramatic a more appropriate choice than melodramatic?

The words dramatic and melodramatic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply.

a dramatic meeting of world leaders

When might histrionic be a better fit than melodramatic?

While the synonyms histrionic and melodramatic are close in meaning, histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

When can theatrical be used instead of melodramatic?

While in some cases nearly identical to melodramatic, 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 melodramatic Scandal, known for its rapid pacing, melodramatic turns, and signature monologues, originally aired in the 2010s and quickly became a defining entry in the primetime drama landscape. Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 Normally suits are dry reading but this one has melodramatic flair. Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 19 May 2025 And yet that scene, as well as the long mourning period Mahnaz goes through afterwards, is followed by several more melodramatic twists in a scenario that requires a certain level of disbelief. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025 That Kamen’s script would attempt to marry these concepts with some grand-gesture stuff, real tear-jerking choices that also tend to read as quite cheesy, doesn’t surprise — after all, what’s more melodramatic than life itself? Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for melodramatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melodramatic
Adjective
  • And there’s all kinds of theatrical fun at Bourbon Steak in Las Vegas.
    Andy Wang, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Off the heels of Dior Men’s era of Kim Jones, who offered elegant twists on menswear in theatrical runway shows, Anderson ushered in a playful, everyday sense of luxury, delving into the house’s heritage by reintroducing classic silhouettes morphed in new ways.
    Alice Pfeiffer, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Males are slightly smaller than females and are known for dramatic courtship displays involving rapid wing beats and vocal trills.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • In this passionate Fire sign, the messenger planet speaks with confidence, courage and a dramatic flair.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Italian operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti and Canadian rocker Bryan Adams played the venue too.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Melodramatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melodramatic. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on melodramatic

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