MELODRAMATIC Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

melodramatic

adjective

ˌme-lə-drə-ˈma-tik

Definition of melodramatic next

as in theatric

given to or marked by attention-getting behavior suggestive of stage acting our office drama queen yet again made the melodramatic declaration that he couldn't take it anymore and was quitting

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as in theatrical

having the general quality or effect of a stage performance he gave his usual melodramatic speech that he had learned his lesson and thereafter would always pay his bills on time

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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

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Recent Examples of melodramatic The film opens and ends with Donna Summer’s 1978 remake, which sends everyone out with a spring in their step, after hearing the more melodramatic Harris version at length earlier. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 15 Sep. 2024 Neither the stage production nor the musical can do much with the melodramatic Madame Morrible, the headmistress at Shiz who becomes a key player in the Wonderful Wizard of Oz’s fascist machinations. —

Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024 Go back to where the trend began with the first of the filmmaker’s limited horror series, the creepy, melodramatic 2018 adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s novel starring multiple actors who have become part of Flanagan’s regular ensemble: Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel, Annabeth Gish, and Samantha Sloyan. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2024 There’s a sense of real but not needless nor melodramatic danger, which makes the relationships between the characters feel more real, too. —

Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for melodramatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for melodramatic

Adjective

Imax was also part of streamer Apple’s wide theatrical releases for Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
But the bulk of advertising is typically deployed within two months of theatrical release.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025