Synonyms of theatrical

theatrical

adjective

thē-ˈa-tri-kəl 

variants also theatric

1

as in dramatic

given to or marked by attention-getting behavior suggestive of stage acting

after stepping out of their hired limousine, the prom couple made a theatrical entrance in their evening clothes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dramatic
• melodramatic
• staged
• stagey
• histrionic
• conspicuous
• hammy
• stagy
• sensational
• showy
• exaggerated
• flamboyant
• actorly
• grandiose
• elaborate
• ostentatious
• unnatural
• actorish
• mannered
• pretentious
• actressy
• overacted
• artificial
• studied
• self-conscious
• overdone
• affected

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unaffected
• unpretentious
• undramatic
• nondramatic
• restrained
• subdued
• conservative
• toned (down)
• muted
• nontheatrical
• inconspicuous
• discreet
• modest
• simple
• quiet
• underplayed
• plain

2

as in operatic

having the general quality or effect of a stage performance

in a very theatrical voice the actress announced to the gathering that she did not sign autographs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• operatic
• dramatic
• emotional
• stagey
• melodramatic
• exciting
• histrionic
• stagy
• surprising
• dramaturgical
• sensational
• astonishing
• wonderful
• marvellous
• dramaturgic
• wondrous
• spectacular
• amazing
• emotionalistic
• affected
• actorly
• ham
• hammy
• marvelous
• awesome
• astounding
• actorish
• overdramatic
• actressy
• fabulous
• eye-opening

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• undramatic
• matter-of-fact
• monotonous
• uneventful
• unexciting
• ordinary
• unspectacular
• unrewarding
• common
• uninspiring
• commonplace
• unsensational
• unexceptional
• stale
• unnewsworthy

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

Recent Examples of theatrical

The implication is that African creativity has always been global; just before the wing’s entrance, a Baule mask used in theatrical performances shares a vitrine with an ancient Roman sculpture of Pan. —Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 30 June 2025

The visual album premiered June 6 at the Tribeca Festival ahead of its one-night theatrical release in the U.S. and Canada on June 12. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 30 June 2025

And when the sun made its theatrical entrance, the brand’s new sunglasses—gifted to attendees—ensured no one was left squinting. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 30 June 2025

The revival marks a theatrical homecoming for Cedric, who previously appeared on Broadway in American Buffalo in 2008. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 30 June 2025