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 Under the three-year deal, Paramount will market and distribute Legendary-developed and produced theatrical films globally. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025 Disney has global theatrical and streaming rights. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 With piercing rumbles, flickering gleams and heaps of fan interaction, Cain's concert felt more like an interactive theatrical experience. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025 Of course, this isn’t even counting the numbers from the sing-along’s two-day theatrical release last month, which topped the box office for the weekend of August 23rd and was estimated to have brought in between $18 million and $20 million. Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for theatrical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theatrical
Adjective
  • Her efforts saved the animal’s life and landed her in her hometown newspaper, The Mountain Eagle, which was the first to write about the dramatic rescue and resuscitation.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The increase widens a stark property tax gap between Idaho’s two largest school districts — Boise and West Ada — and illustrates dramatic policy differences between the adjoining Treasure Valley districts.
    Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Unbelievable violence happens to both a little girl and operatic supergroup The Three Tenors.
    William Earl, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Dido’s wonderfully operatic dying curse on her former lover foreshadows the future wars between her people and the descendants of the treacherous Trojans.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Theatrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theatrical. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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