DRAMATIC Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'dramatic' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dramatic are histrionic , melodramatic , and theatrical . While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply. // a dramatic meeting of world leaders

Q: In what contexts can 'histrionic' take the place of 'dramatic'?

Although the words histrionic and dramatic have much in common, histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess. // a histrionic show of grief

Q: When would 'melodramatic' be a good substitute for 'dramatic'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dramatic , melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism. // made a melodramatic plea

Q: When can 'theatrical' be used instead of 'dramatic'?

While the synonyms theatrical and dramatic are close in meaning, theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression. // a theatrical oration

dramatic

adjective

drə-ˈma-tik

Definition of dramatic next

as in theatric

having the general quality or effect of a stage performance the basketball player's dramatic announcement of his sudden retirement held everybody spellbound

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in theatrical

given to or marked by attention-getting behavior suggestive of stage acting oh, don't be so dramatic, and just tell us, without the pregnant pauses, what happened

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as in noticeable

likely to attract attention a dramatic drop in the temperature overnight

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word dramatic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dramatic are histrionic, melodramatic, and theatrical. While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply.

a dramatic meeting of world leaders

In what contexts can histrionic take the place of dramatic?

Although the words histrionic and dramatic have much in common, histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

When would melodramatic be a good substitute for dramatic?

While in some cases nearly identical to dramatic, melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism.

made a melodramatic plea

When can theatrical be used instead of dramatic?

While the synonyms theatrical and dramatic are close in meaning, theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression.

a theatrical oration

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of dramatic But to hear the top ranks of the Biden campaign profess, there were zero credible conversations to prepare for the dramatic next steps of Biden bowing out of the race and effectively swapping his name with Vice President Kamala Harris on ballots. —

Philip Elliott, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024 This unusual weather pattern, influenced by an atmospheric river and the development of a bomb cyclone, promised a dramatic shift in conditions for the region. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 The National Film Institute (NFI) also gave a dramatic upgrade to the post-production facilities at NFI Filmlab, which ranks among the most experienced laboratories in Central Europe. —

Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 30 Nov. 2024 But what fully sells it is Caine, who commits to the role with full-throated dramatic authenticity. —

EW.com, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dramatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dramatic

Adjective

But his rhetoric has taken a noticeable rightward turn in the weeks since Trump’s election victory, particularly on immigration, with Adams boosting the president-elect’s platform and appearing enthusiastic about the incoming administration.

Anthony Izaguirre and Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
The ability to manage more concurrent operations without scaling hardware was a noticeable improvement.

Shamaila Mahmood, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024