variants also theatric

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 As frozen snatches of theatrical time, these snapshots create quiet bursts of aesthetic pleasure in the brain. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025 Even her accessories were theatrical—like her spiked Balenciaga dad cap, and futuristic shield shades. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025 Tentpoles and event pics such as Minecraft might work, but what about midrange movies and original properties? At CinemaCon in April, Sony Pictures movie chief Tom Rothman and other top studio execs declared that rising ticket prices and shrinking windows are endangering theatrical. Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025 China’s theatrical box office has staged a strong recovery this year from a severe downturn in 2024, when total ticket revenue declined 23 percent. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for theatrical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theatrical
Adjective
  • The sight of brown pelicans diving headfirst into the ocean in pursuit of a meal represents one of the distinctive visual images of the California coast, their dramatic flight the highlight of a predatory mission.
    Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Trump's second-term tally—just five bills signed—underscores a dramatic shift toward consolidating presidential power.
    Nik Popli, Time, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Pierce and Karimloo embrace their characters’ operatic origins, but transform them into musical comedy icons.
    Christian Lewis, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025
  • But for anyone with a taste for operatic violence and fountains of blood as shotgun and assault rifle blasts send bodies flying in slo-mo or dancing like convulsive marionettes, Gareth Evans’ gritty neo-noir will be just the ticket.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Theatrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theatrical. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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