Synonym Chooser

How is the word melodramatic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of melodramatic are dramatic, histrionic, and theatrical. While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism.

made a melodramatic plea

When is dramatic a more appropriate choice than melodramatic?

The words dramatic and melodramatic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 melodramatic?

While the synonyms histrionic and melodramatic are close in meaning, histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

When can theatrical be used instead of melodramatic?

While in some cases nearly identical to melodramatic, 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 melodramatic Scandal, known for its rapid pacing, melodramatic turns, and signature monologues, originally aired in the 2010s and quickly became a defining entry in the primetime drama landscape. Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 Normally suits are dry reading but this one has melodramatic flair. Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 19 May 2025 And yet that scene, as well as the long mourning period Mahnaz goes through afterwards, is followed by several more melodramatic twists in a scenario that requires a certain level of disbelief. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025 That Kamen’s script would attempt to marry these concepts with some grand-gesture stuff, real tear-jerking choices that also tend to read as quite cheesy, doesn’t surprise — after all, what’s more melodramatic than life itself? Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for melodramatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melodramatic
Adjective
  • But theatrical Leo parents may need reminding that rules and structure are essential in parenting too, says Brown.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • How to Train Your Dragon will likely arrive on Peacock around three to four months after its theatrical premiere in June 2025, putting the release date around September or October 2025.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Brewers' dramatic extra-innings win Wednesday sealed a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
  • Amanda Anisimova of the United States reacts during her dramatic victory against Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships.
    / CBS News, CBS News, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The chorus is essentially one word (peaches) repeated incessantly with operatic bombast.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • The Call Her Daddy host performed the classic track during the seventh-inning stretch of the game between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Sunday night, offering an operatic take alongside two backup performers that elicited boos from the packed stadium.
    EW.com, EW.com, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Melodramatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melodramatic. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on melodramatic

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