theatrical

adjective

thē-ˈa-tri-kəl How to pronounce theatrical (audio)
variants also theatric
Definition of theatricalnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word theatrical distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of theatrical are dramatic, histrionic, and melodramatic. While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression.

a theatrical oration

When would dramatic be a good substitute for theatrical?

While in some cases nearly identical to theatrical, dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply.

a dramatic meeting of world leaders

When might histrionic be a better fit than theatrical?

The synonyms histrionic and theatrical are sometimes interchangeable, but histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

When is it sensible to use melodramatic instead of theatrical?

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

made a melodramatic plea

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 theatrical And as the 2023 dual writers’ and actors’ strikes thinned out theatrical lineups, that aversion to uncertainty became a push for reliable and profitable hits. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Obsession was released on digital streaming via premium video on demand on Tuesday following a 45-day theatrical window. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Gkids has long handled Ghibli distribution in North America across theatrical, home video, digital and streaming. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 July 2026 The film, which was expected to start with closer to $50 million domestically, stands to lose anywhere between $100 million and $120 million in its theatrical run, Variety reported. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for theatrical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theatrical
  1. dramatic
  2. operatic
  3. emotional
Adjective
  • After so many dramatic and 11th-hour wins in the Round of 32, the World Cup's Round of 16 has much to live up to.
    — Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Such has been such a dramatic overhaul in the conference that the Heat at one moment can be viewed as contenders for the NBA Finals and at another the perception quite reasonably can be … right back in the play-in pool.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2026
Definition of dramatic
Adjective
  • Regime Change reads like an account of the crescendo and operatic downfall of Trump; even the accumulation of details about his bathroom preferences somehow feels like a final degradation.
    — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
  • Upano’s operatic scope and clean, elegant sentences really swept me off my feet.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Definition of operatic
Adjective
  • Contreras, meanwhile, entered Tuesday's game after an emotional stretch.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Humanitarian workers say the emotional toll is becoming increasingly visible inside temporary shelters.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of emotional

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theaters-in-the-round
theatrical
theatricals
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Cite this Entry

“Theatrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theatrical. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on theatrical

Nglish: Translation of theatrical for Spanish Speakers

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