variants also theatric

Synonym Chooser

How is the word theatrical distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of theatrical are dramatic, histrionic, and melodramatic. While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression.

a theatrical oration

When would dramatic be a good substitute for theatrical?

While in some cases nearly identical to theatrical, 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 theatrical?

The synonyms histrionic and theatrical are sometimes interchangeable, but histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

When is it sensible to use melodramatic instead of theatrical?

In some situations, the words melodramatic and theatrical are roughly equivalent. However, melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism.

made a melodramatic plea

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 theatrical The appearance accompanies the limited theatrical release this week of Alex Ross Perry’s part-biopic, part mockumentary Pavements. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 16 May 2025 The film is set for a May 23 debut on the streamer, just over six weeks after its March 7 theatrical release. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Three years after the theatrical debut of Scream, and following the many copycat films which had followed in its wake, the public's interest in seeing young characters being picked off by mysterious killers was starting to wane. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 16 May 2025 But there’s also news: Reid and Mendelsohn envision a global theatrical release for Atmosphere, and just brought on Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the duo behind Half Nelson, Mississippi Grind, and Captain Marvel, to write and direct. Lucy Feldman, Time, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for theatrical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theatrical
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

“Theatrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theatrical. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on theatrical

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