theatrical

adjective

thē-ˈa-tri-kəl How to pronounce theatrical (audio)
variants also theatric
Definition of theatricalnext
1
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
2
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

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 theatrical The distributor in Germany and Austria is DCM Distribution, with the theatrical release set for April 29, 2027. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026 Incoming content head Rice could be the missing piece for Netflix in a new theatrical model. — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 As the daughter of two classical singers, she was used to hanging around backstage and going along with the rhythm of theatrical days. — Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 Factory 25 is planning a spring 2027 theatrical release followed by a digital and Blu-ray release. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theatrical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theatrical
  1. dramatic
  2. operatic
  3. emotional
Adjective
  • Instead, the situation in Austin has taken a dramatic turn over the past three weeks.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • However, the government has announced a dramatic cut in the number of working holiday visas, from 31,000 to 5,000.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of dramatic
Adjective
  • The back half of the track, downcast and tortured, evokes the operatic desolation of Waiting-era Thursday.
    — Nick Laskin, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Mazzoli, who fronts an electro-acoustic band in addition to her operatic career, selected the Saunders novel, turning the book into a close to three hour opera, with her longtime lyricist Royce Vavrek.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of operatic
Adjective
  • The history between these men is more noxious than your garden-variety case of paternal neglect — there’s been emotional and physical abuse.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • That’s not because Crystal soft-pedals the emotional horror of returning to your home to find charred remains after watching, helpless, as flames took the locus of all your best memories.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of emotional

Browse Nearby Words

theaters-in-the-round
theatrical
theatricals
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Cite this Entry

“Theatrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theatrical. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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