dramatize

verb

dra·​ma·​tize ˈdra-mə-ˌtīz How to pronounce dramatize (audio) ˈdrä- How to pronounce dramatize (audio)
dramatized; dramatizing
Synonyms of dramatizenext

transitive verb

1
: to adapt (something, such as a novel) for theatrical presentation
2
: to present or represent in a dramatic manner

intransitive verb

1
: to be suitable for dramatization
2
: to behave dramatically
dramatizable
ˈdra-mə-ˌtī-zə-bəl How to pronounce dramatize (audio)
ˈdrä-
adjective

Examples of dramatize in a Sentence

The movie dramatizes her early life. The book is dramatized in a new play. I know I tend to dramatize things but it really was awful. She cited a series of statistics to dramatize the seriousness of the problem. This tragedy dramatizes the need for improvements in highway safety.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There was a church on site, although this moment in the film was dramatized. — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026 The result is mesmerizing and harrowing, as the effects of the country’s ongoing opioid crisis don’t have to be dramatized so much as seen. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 1 July 2026 The Pitt dramatizes societal pressures within an emergency room where medical crises intersect with issues like poverty and immigration. — Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 The pilot will dramatize the trilogy’s opening heist at the Hotel Theresa on 125th, a thirteen-story tower with a striking white façade once known as the Waldorf of Harlem. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dramatize

Word History

Etymology

dramat-, stem in derivation of drama + -ize

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dramatize was in 1762

Rhymes for dramatize

See All Rhymes for dramatize

Browse Nearby Words

dramatization
dramatize
dramatizer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dramatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dramatize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dramatize

verb
dram·​a·​tize
ˈdram-ə-ˌtīz, 
ˈdräm-
1
: to make into a drama
2
: to present or represent in a dramatic manner
dramatization
ˌdram-ət-ə-ˈzā-shən, 
ˌdräm-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dramatize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dramatize

Nglish: Translation of dramatize for Spanish Speakers

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