soap opera

noun

Definition of soap operanext
as in sludge
something (as a work of literature or music) that is too sentimental the movie started out well, but quickly devolved into improbable soap opera

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of soap opera The actress portrayed Erica Kane on the soap opera from 1970 to 2013. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 After openly lobbying for a guest role on a daytime soap opera, John Oliver will make his soap debut on General Hospital this week. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026 Nonetheless, the series evolves into an elaborate soap opera over its 39 episodes, with complex scheming characters opposing Utena, her relationship with Anthy serving as the lodestar that guides this tragedy towards its ambiguous conclusion. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 June 2026 The Mississippi native continued to work steadily throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, particularly in the soap operas Dangerous Women and Generations. — Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for soap opera
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soap opera
  1. sludge
  2. corn
Noun
  • Little filth flies such as drain flies breed in sludge and decaying matter that can build up in drain pipes, says Oi.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 27 June 2026
  • The 29-year-old has arrived at Rolling Stone’s office in distressed cutoff denim shorts and custom boots self-designed to look like she’s been trekking through sludge à la Kate Moss at Glastonbury 2005.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
Definition of sludge
Noun
  • Along the nearby midway, two young women were selling kettle corn at one of the fair’s three kettle corn booths.
    — Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026
  • It’s topped with edamame, corn ribs, crunchy tortilla strips, and sherry dressing—because after a day in the theme park, a vegetable-forward entree is always welcome.
    — Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026
Definition of corn

Browse Nearby Words

soapboxes
soap opera
soap-operatic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Soap opera.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soap%20opera. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on soap opera

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about soap opera

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