melodramatic

adjective

melo·​dra·​mat·​ic ˌme-lə-drə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce melodramatic (audio)
Synonyms of melodramatic
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of melodrama
a luridly melodramatic script
2
: appealing to the emotions : sensational
the fund-raiser's desperate, melodramatic appeal for more donations
melodramatically
ˌme-lə-drə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce melodramatic (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of melodramatic

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dramatic, theatrical, histrionic, melodramatic 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

theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression.

a theatrical oration

histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism.

made a melodramatic plea

Examples of melodramatic in a Sentence

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.
The conversation quickly turned to tone and to how their shows use tools like humor and perspective to ensure things never get too melodramatic. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 16 June 2026 The day started with security measures both real and melodramatic. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 13 May 2026 His melodramatic exit transformed the segment from standard Sunday programming into a piece of gossip and a matter of breaking news. — Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 The movie, whose campy tone is borrowed from melodramatic after-school specials and delivered in Early’s signature deadpan, is a study in artifice. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for melodramatic

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of melodramatic was in 1789

Rhymes for melodramatic

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Browse Nearby Words

melodrama
melodramatic
melodramatics
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

melodramatic

adjective
melo·​dra·​mat·​ic ˌmel-ə-drə-ˈmat-ik How to pronounce melodramatic (audio)
1
: of or relating to melodrama
2
: resembling or suitable for melodrama : sensational
melodramatically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce melodramatic (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on melodramatic

Nglish: Translation of melodramatic for Spanish Speakers

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