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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
  • 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
  • There’s a wide range of cases available, with different aspects and capabilities—including some that partly overcome the 16e’s noticeable oversight: no MagSafe.
    David Phelan, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The team’s credits encompass decades of work on theatrical trailers.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 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
  • Meanwhile, a poll conducted by WPA Intelligence between January 28 and 30 among 600 likely Republican primary voters gave Ramaswamy another commanding lead over his rivals, with 57 percent support compared to Yost's 26 percent.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Lenovo's muscular portable is built tough as nails and boasts some impressive components.
    K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Think meat and seafood entrees, sandwiched by an appetizer menu featuring shrimp cocktail, arancini, and an impressive wine list.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In another striking display of Ukrainian air power on or just before Thursday, a robotic Aeroprakt A-22 bomber, presumably flown by the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces, flew low over Bryansk under the cover of darkness and dropped a 550-pound bomb on a Russian installation.
    David Axe, Forbes, 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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