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Synonym Chooser

How is the word dramatic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dramatic are histrionic, melodramatic, and theatrical. While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply.

a dramatic meeting of world leaders

In what contexts can histrionic take the place of dramatic?

Although the words histrionic and dramatic have much in common, histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

When would melodramatic be a good substitute for dramatic?

While in some cases nearly identical to dramatic, melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism.

made a melodramatic plea

When can theatrical be used instead of dramatic?

While the synonyms theatrical and dramatic are close in meaning, theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression.

a theatrical oration

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 dramatic Parasite tells the story — alternately comedic and dramatic — of a poor family infiltrating the lives and home of a rich family in present-day Korea. Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025 The push comes amid intense outcry from homeowners after a dramatic increase in property assessments in 2023. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2025 Consequently, measures to diversify the research community have likely contributed to the dramatic improvement of cancer outcomes for Black Americans by asking new and different questions, and using new and different approaches to answer them. Angelique Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025 The meeting came amid widening differences between the U.S. and European countries over Russia's war in Ukraine after Trump opened negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a dramatic shift from longstanding U.S. policy. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dramatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dramatic
Adjective
  • All of that increases the odds that the trade war will be more visible to Americans, disrupting supply chains and causing noticeable price hikes for certain items.
    Neil Irwin, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025
  • This processor delivers a noticeable jump in performance while still maintaining the all-day battery life the tablet is known for.
    K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The team’s credits encompass decades of work on theatrical trailers.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The release will blend traditional theatrical methods with innovative Direct To Audience strategies, redefining the distribution landscape for independent films.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Zelensky arrived at the White House wearing a black sweater with two buttons that featured the Ukrainian trident—a prominent element of the nation's flag and a symbol of power and authority—in addition to black cargo pants and boots.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Other prominent craftspeople have received an impressive amount of noms without a win.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The 12-minute-and-then-some song starts off with a progressive folk feel and an angelically operatic high wail — think Joni Mitchell meets Fairport Convention — only to move, by the track’s halfway mark.
    A.D. Amorosi, Variety, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The fights based on interpersonal drama can feel just as operatic as any hallucinogenic nightmare brought on by a mysterious woodland entity.
    Esther Zuckerman, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Bollywood has seen some remarkable box office performances for re-releases in the past few months and the romantic movie, Sanam Teri Kasam is the latest one to lead the race.
    Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The very fact that there is a debate to be had about which country has the advantage in this war shows a remarkable inversion in expectation.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Boston committed 19 turnovers and looked a step slow in the paint (where Detroit owned a commanding 62-20 scoring edge) and in transition (29-8).
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
  • And now, with Zero Day, Bassett delivers yet another commanding performance—one that’s both timely and powerful.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In reaction to the impressive results, Siebert Williams Shank analyst Gabriele Sorbara reaffirmed a buy rating on FANG stock with a price target of $230.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The eight-episode second season of XO, Kitty premiered two weeks before The Recruit’s second installment and the series was renewed for Season 3 a month later after netting an impressive 27.1 million views in its first three weeks.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Soon after the striking Oval Office meeting, a host of European leaders took to social media to express their support for Ukraine.
    Brian Bennett, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
  • For example, earlier this month, a striking residence refurbished by architect Robert Stone was hoisted onto the market for $7.5 million.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dramatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dramatic. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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