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 The European Commission hit back, accusing the ECB of being melodramatic. Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Babygirl has some crucial hallmarks of that classic Hollywood mode: a melodramatic plot that places a morally ambiguous woman’s concerns at its center — though Babygirl’s melodrama is subdued in favor of stately psychological introspection. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025 In fact, soundtracking heartbreak and angst became Mayday Parade’s specialty with their extremely quotable, melodramatic lyrics. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025 The show swings, with melodramatic ease, between success and failure. Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for melodramatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melodramatic
Adjective
  • Previously, Knives Out movies have done the festival rounds ahead of their theatrical/Netflix stint.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • Mubi is set to expand its theatrical operations in Italy as Efe Cakarel, CEO of the global streamer, producer and film distributor, recently anticipated in an interview for a Variety cover story.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sirens’s ending is a solid reminder that, sometimes, the most dramatic stories can also be the most realistic.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 23 May 2025
  • Lowenstein examines how excessive leverage, overconfidence in mathematical models, and market forces beyond the fund's control led to one of the most dramatic financial failures in modern history.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Abel Tesfaye, the singer-songwriter otherwise known as the Weeknd, literally and figuratively sets his old persona on fire in Hurry Up Tomorrow, the companion film to his somber and operatic sixth studio album of the same name.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 16 May 2025
  • As is so often true in operatic productions of recent decades, the default relevance setting is the era of European fascism of nearly a century ago.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Melodramatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melodramatic. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on melodramatic

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