variants also theatric
Definition of theatricalnext

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 But these theatrical moments spring from daily life. Natalia Jiménez-Stuard, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026 For the first award, for outstanding directorial achievement in theatrical feature film, the nominees are Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Ryan Coogler (Sinners), Guillermo Del Toro (Frankenstein), Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme) and Chloé Zhao (Hamnet). Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026 Their reflections frame a period of deep artistic reinvention, as Bowie shed his theatrical personas and began performing as himself rather than through characters. Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026 The film is slated for theatrical release in time for Halloween this year. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theatrical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theatrical
Adjective
  • Parallel societies in certain urban areas and rising violent crime statistics linked to some migrant cohorts in countries such as Sweden and Germany led to the dramatic rise of populist and patriotic parties across the continent, from France to Italy to the Netherlands.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Hudson’s performance kicks into a surprising dramatic gear, the actress’s playful Milwaukee accent settling into a relatively somber key, grappling with dreams dashed.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Upano’s operatic scope and clean, elegant sentences really swept me off my feet.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
  • That’s fair, for in many ways Venables’s music — with its operatic heights and meditative chants, its detours from classical through bossa nova and Irish jig — is the soul of the thing, revealed in all its richness and variety by the hugely gifted ensemble.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Shouts for it will be met by angry fingers jutted towards the various gaffes played ad nauseam on Sky Sports’ weekly Ref Watch, or the mandatory pause before the emotional unleashing as VAR mulls over whether a goal is a goal or just a hoax.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • But del Toro expands the emotional spectrum with forgiveness.
    Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Theatrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theatrical. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on theatrical

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