THEATRICAL Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

theatrical

adjective

thē-ˈa-tri-kəl

variants also theatric

Definition of theatrical next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples of theatrical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Lythcott’s mother dreamed of a theatrical tradition in which Black people authored and performed their own stories, ultimately hosting artists such as Angelou, Nina Simone, and Nikki Giovanni. —

Marley Marius, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2024 The designer is known for his innovative approach to fashion shows and theatrical runway productions that have taken place in unexpected locations such as a Parisian swimming pool or inside the Musée Picasso, winding through a lavender field in Provence or a wheat field outside of Paris. —

Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 18 Oct. 2024 This adds to Lionsgate’s theatrical slate, which also includes plans for stage productions of Wonder, Nashville and La La Land on Broadway, and The Hunger Games in London. —

Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Oct. 2024 Oliveira films on location, with the actors in costume, declaiming in boldly theatrical tones that seem wrenched whole from the era of the play’s origins. —

Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for theatrical

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'theatrical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.