variants
also theatric
1
as in dramatic
given to or marked by attention-getting behavior suggestive of stage acting
after stepping out of their hired limousine, the prom couple made a theatrical entrance in their evening clothes
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in operatic
having the general quality or effect of a stage performance
in a very theatrical voice the actress announced to the gathering that she did not sign autographs
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of theatrical
San Diego doesn’t need more sweeps or theatrical outreach.
—
David Lee Condrey, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
The essence of The Isley Brothers’ fashion remains the same, theatrical, elegant, and rich with personality.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 5 June 2025
Another distinguishing touch is that the two hands have been placed on the caseback rather than the face, so as not to detract from the theatrical show.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 4 June 2025
The film opened in January and, defying all odds at a time when Hollywood bean-counters have largely given up on theatrical releases, stuck around in cinemas for more than three months.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for theatrical
David Lee Condrey, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
The essence of The Isley Brothers’ fashion remains the same, theatrical, elegant, and rich with personality.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 5 June 2025
Another distinguishing touch is that the two hands have been placed on the caseback rather than the face, so as not to detract from the theatrical show.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 4 June 2025
The film opened in January and, defying all odds at a time when Hollywood bean-counters have largely given up on theatrical releases, stuck around in cinemas for more than three months.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for theatrical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theatrical
Adjective
-
The change from Skinner to Pickard helped stabilize the Oilers in Game 4, enough to spark a dramatic overtime comeback.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
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Some of Lloyd’s recent productions—including the dramatic monochrome Sunset Boulevard and Romeo and Juliet—use cameras and screens; all use microphones.—
Sarah Crompton,
Vogue,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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With Burton's departure, however, what had been a filmed graphic novel returned to comic-book clashes; Joel Schumacher traded operatic style for sitcom puns well suited to casual video viewing.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
15 June 2025
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The operatic action and intriguing exposition is there, but this solid third installment winds up a good but not great effort, owing to a convoluted last act and underdeveloped supporting characters.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theatrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theatrical. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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