THEATRICAL Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

theatrical

adjective

thē-ˈa-tri-kəl

variants also theatric

Definition of theatrical next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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Recent Examples of theatrical Amazon has struck a multi-year agreement with Lionsgate to make as many as 20 Lionsgate theatrical releases available to U.S. customers on Prime Video each year. —

Brian Welk, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2025 The crux of the change for Tarantino is that the experience of theater is still unsullied, whereas with movies, people are on their phones and the theatrical window is teeny tiny. —

Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025 Of course, the films were the star of weekend one, with their casts as megaphones for potential theatrical runs or streamer acquisitions. —

David Graver, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2025 Most contenders have by now completed the bulk of their theatrical runs and are more likely to see an uptick on VOD or streaming. —

Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for theatrical