Synonym Chooser

How is the word histrionic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of histrionic are dramatic, melodramatic, and theatrical. While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

When could dramatic be used to replace histrionic?

The synonyms dramatic and histrionic are sometimes interchangeable, but dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply.

a dramatic meeting of world leaders

Where would melodramatic be a reasonable alternative to histrionic?

In some situations, the words melodramatic and histrionic are roughly equivalent. However, melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism.

made a melodramatic plea

When is it sensible to use theatrical instead of histrionic?

The meanings of theatrical and histrionic largely overlap; however, 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 histrionic Where so much of onscreen storytelling at the time was steeped in histrionic levels of sincerity and reverence for American institutions, Hill’s film had no interest in promoting the status quo or hiding whatever rottenness is present in this country’s criminal-justice system. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2024 This is histrionic and fun and has a nice ending with Michael Longfellow. EW.com, 8 Dec. 2024 While criticism of some of the album’s more inflammatory content ranged from the thoughtful to the histrionic, all of it served the purpose of making Eminem not just the biggest star, but the most unavoidable topic of conversation in early 2000s pop culture. Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2024 Waltz also indulged in several of the histrionic television appearances that Trump demands of his subordinates. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for histrionic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for histrionic
Adjective
  • Connecting to the series’ overriding narrative, this theatrical backstory opens in 1943 when a secret government experiment on a battleship goes spectacularly wrong, creating an opening to a parallel dimension and unleashing its dark powers.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The occult realm of Netflix, the streaming service that ensnares viewers in a maze of maybes, has joined forces with Sonia Friedman Productions to convert a piece of prime theatrical real estate into a zone of franchise extension.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • McIlroy got the job done in a dramatic playoff over Justin Rose after a topsy-turvy final round that featured plenty of ups and downs.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Correspondent Mo Rocca explores the dramatic events of that fateful day 250 years ago; and hears from reenactors about why the colonists' ideals still hold true today.
    David Morgan, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Queen may have started as a four-piece rock band but their ambitions and grandiose stage shows led to lavish studio productions that took them in orchestral and operatic directions.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Given the full operatic treatment of a 1970s Elton album, this might feel very different. 308.
    Shana Naomi Krochmal, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Histrionic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/histrionic. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on histrionic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!