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 Theories as to why the women didn’t like each other ranged from White getting more applause from the audience during the cast introductions, to Arthur coming from a more theatrical background than White, who found fame on TV. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 20 June 2025 One key difference between streaming and theatrical movies, the study shows, is the overall budget of the films. Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025 And then there’s 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, the film that proved the pandemic hadn’t entirely crushed the theatrical business. Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025 Tom Cruise's incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all. EW.com, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for theatrical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theatrical
Adjective
  • The change from Skinner to Pickard helped stabilize the Oilers in Game 4, enough to spark a dramatic overtime comeback.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • Some of Lloyd’s recent productions—including the dramatic monochrome Sunset Boulevard and Romeo and Juliet—use cameras and screens; all use microphones.
    Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • With Burton's departure, however, what had been a filmed graphic novel returned to comic-book clashes; Joel Schumacher traded operatic style for sitcom puns well suited to casual video viewing.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 15 June 2025
  • The operatic action and intriguing exposition is there, but this solid third installment winds up a good but not great effort, owing to a convoluted last act and underdeveloped supporting characters.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Theatrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theatrical. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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