melodrama
noun
melo·dra·ma
ˈme-lə-ˌdrä-mə 
-ˌdra-
1
a
: a work (such as a movie or play) characterized by extravagant theatricality and by the predominance of plot and physical action over characterization
an actor with a flair for melodrama
b
: the genre (see genre sense 1) of dramatic literature constituted by such works
2
: something resembling a melodrama especially in having a sensational or theatrical quality
The trial turned into a melodrama.
Examples of melodrama in a Sentence
Critics dismissed his work as melodrama.
an actor with a talent for melodrama
She is starring in another melodrama.
The trial turned into a melodrama.
a life full of melodrama
Recent Examples on the Web
The delight of it, the source of its generous dollops of camp melodrama, comes from its ability to convince you that maybe, just maybe, this will be the thing that finally overturns the apple cart.
—
Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 14 July 2025
Relief because the months-long melodrama over the suit appears to be over (though there are still some big loose ends that need to be tied).
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2025
Takahata’s adept direction is both restrained and heartbreakingly sincere, painting the siblings’ experience not as melodrama but as a stark, unsparing look at the cost of war on civilians—particularly children.
—Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
There are big dangers for Musk too The clash between Trump and Musk seized the public imagination with its sheer melodrama.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
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Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 14 July 2025
Relief because the months-long melodrama over the suit appears to be over (though there are still some big loose ends that need to be tied).
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2025
Takahata’s adept direction is both restrained and heartbreakingly sincere, painting the siblings’ experience not as melodrama but as a stark, unsparing look at the cost of war on civilians—particularly children.
—Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
There are big dangers for Musk too The clash between Trump and Musk seized the public imagination with its sheer melodrama.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
Cite this Entry
“Melodrama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melodrama. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
melodrama
noun
melo·dra·ma
ˈmel-ə-ˌdräm-ə
-ˌdram-
1
a
: a work (as a movie or play) marked by the exaggerated emotions of the characters and the importance of action and plot
b
: such works as a group
2
: melodramatic events or behavior
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