theater

noun

ˈthē-ə-tər How to pronounce theater (audio)
variants or theatre
Definition of theaternext
1
as in playhouse
a building or part of a building where movies are shown there's still one theater in town that shows independent films

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in drama
the public performance of plays have been fascinated by the theater ever since I was a child

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in auditorium
a large room or building for enclosed public gatherings the lecturer waited until the theater was full before beginning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 theater When the judges return, everyone gathers in the small theater. — Julie Bourdin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 In this way, the long road to Wildwood hitting theaters makes a lot of sense. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 24 Oct. 2026 Opening quietly in 880 North American theaters from Sony Pictures is Taika Waititi‘s Klara and the Sun, which made $300,000 and heads to around $725,000 for the weekend. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2026 Then Erika runs into her ex-husband, a theater legend who was once Hermann Göring’s favorite thespian and helped push Nazi propaganda leading up to the war. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theater
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theater
  1. playhouse
  2. drama
  3. auditorium
  4. stage
  5. amphitheater
  6. production
  7. entertainment
  8. acting
Noun
  • London had been ravaged by plague since the summer of 1592, with high mortality rates in the city and suburbs meaning the playhouses were closed for business for twenty of the following twenty-two months.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Russell adds a 30 Rock–esque backstage frame in which an assistant stage manager (Twiggy, looking divine) is thrust into the spotlight when the star of her regional playhouse’s production of The Boy Friend is nowhere to be found.
    — Juan A. Ramírez, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of playhouse
Noun
  • With the Los Angeles Rams approaching panic mode, the NFC East in complete disarray and the Kansas City Chiefs preparing for their biggest test yet, there’s no shortage of drama heading into Week 7.
    — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Under the watchful direction of director Brenda Porter, who is also the artistic director for Impact Theater, the cast is fine-tuning the drama.
    — La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of drama
Noun
  • The movie theater auditoriums are considered dining areas, while routine inspections primarily focus on food preparation areas.
    — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Sanders asked during an impromptu speech outside, where hundreds of people gathered on a lawn adjacent to the University of Florida’s 800-person auditorium, after their main event had already reached capacity.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of auditorium
Noun
  • The number of ballots cast two weeks from Election Day has reached nearly 1 million, up from roughly 550,000 at the same stage in 2022.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • That is late-stage private equity written on venture letterhead.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of stage
Noun
  • The New Braunfels, Texas, resident kept a frenetic touring schedule, headlining major Texas venues and mid-sized dance halls around the country, with occasional arena or amphitheater stops opening for Koe Wetzel thrown in.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Outdoor amenities include an amphitheater, tennis court, and gated steps leading to a secluded beach cove.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of amphitheater
Noun
  • Ingrid traveled to California to research pitaya, studying different varieties, cultivation techniques, production systems, and all the potential benefits of introducing the crop to Puerto Rico.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The steps come as film and TV production in the area continues on a downward trend.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of production
Noun
  • The partnership aims to create quality animation and family entertainment that will be launched on direct-to-audience platforms.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Yes; multiple dining options, casual entertainment, plenty of room to spread out, and easy transportation make this one of the easiest choices in Denali for kids.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of entertainment
Noun
  • Rodríguez was initially supposed to serve only 90 days as acting president, but has remained in office and has made no move to call an election.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The real irony in acting and, and everything else, is just taking a risk on possibilities.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of acting

Browse Nearby Words

thaws
theater
theater-in-the-round
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Theater.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theater. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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