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 Tennessee Performing Arts Center Located at: 505 Deaderick St., Nashville The theatrical venue, which currently operates out of the James K. Polk Cultural Center in downtown Nashville, is home to various performing and arts shows throughout the year. Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025 Nowadays in the Covid era, most people have reduced their theatrical attendance after several years getting used to watching more films and streaming at home on ever-larger 4K UHD televisions. Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025 There is a direct through line from Lauper to Lady Gaga from a theatrical standpoint. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 26 July 2025 The beauty aesthetic was more refined and less theatrical compared to her looks for Mugler and Yves Saint Laurent, but still glamorous nonetheless. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for theatrical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theatrical
Adjective
  • The past five years have been among the most dramatic: SXSW closed down during the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic and did not reopen in person — on a much smaller scale — until 2022.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
  • Whereas the kiss cam scandal offers a catchy story for leadership mishaps when work and family get tangled, most days, family seeps into leadership in less dramatic ways.
    Lieke ten Brummelhuis, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • But the mere threat of a lawsuit opened a new chapter in the operatic relationship between Trump and Murdoch, the 93-year-old patriarch who controls the Journal, Fox News and other conservative media brands.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
  • The lead performances from Shibasaki and Ayano are riveting and powerfully operatic.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Theatrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theatrical. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.

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