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 Every year, the Cannes red carpet becomes fashion's most theatrical stage. Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 Ophuls served in the U.S. army theatrical unit in Japan for WWII in 1946. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 26 May 2025 The directors will have their first films fully financed (to a budget of 10 million Danish Krone, or $1.45 million), with a theatrical release guaranteed for Denmark. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025 The film, which is due to shoot later this year in Hungary, is being lined up for a U.S. theatrical release from Independent Film Company in 2026. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for theatrical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theatrical
Adjective
  • The dispute involves the latest instance of the Trump Administration orchestrating a speedy and dramatic about-face by federal agencies on DEI policies, transgender rights and similar culture war issues.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025
  • The failure to address these issues, the lawsuit claimed, led to a loss of investor confidence and ultimately triggered the dramatic drop in the company's stock price on April 17.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • The operatic element of Tim Burton’s Batman Returns was my favorite thing about it — the music and sets and the whole thing.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • Yours is more operatic, and my fella is more in the gangster genre.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Theatrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theatrical. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on theatrical

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