melodrama
noun
melo·dra·ma
ˈme-lə-ˌdrä-mə 
-ˌdra-
1
a
: a work (such as a movie or play) characterized by extravagant theatricality and by the predominance of plot and physical action over characterization
an actor with a flair for melodrama
b
: the genre (see genre sense 1) of dramatic literature constituted by such works
2
: something resembling a melodrama especially in having a sensational or theatrical quality
The trial turned into a melodrama.
Examples of melodrama in a Sentence
Critics dismissed his work as melodrama.
an actor with a talent for melodrama
She is starring in another melodrama.
The trial turned into a melodrama.
a life full of melodrama
Recent Examples on the Web
In this wrenching melodrama from the director Saeed Roustaee, a widowed mother of two (Parinaz Izadyar) suffers an unspeakable loss—and responds by exacting a measure of justice from the many men who, through cruel entitlement or thoughtless neglect, have contributed to her grief.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Through four pilgrimages to the French Riviera in Stanley Donen’s time-hopping melodrama, Audrey Hepburn’s Joanna and Albert Finney’s Mark meet, fall in love, honeymoon and fall apart.
—Gráinne O'Hara Belluomo, Footwear News, 26 May 2025
Motor-Cycle was a daring way to make an entrance, a comedic rock melodrama that blasted Golden’s seedy world out in Technicolor.
—Jeff Gage, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025
Thought-provoking and relatable to anyone who has ever been in a long-term relationship, the setup seems perfect for the melodrama and conflict that makes for great relationship comedies.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
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Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Through four pilgrimages to the French Riviera in Stanley Donen’s time-hopping melodrama, Audrey Hepburn’s Joanna and Albert Finney’s Mark meet, fall in love, honeymoon and fall apart.
—Gráinne O'Hara Belluomo, Footwear News, 26 May 2025
Motor-Cycle was a daring way to make an entrance, a comedic rock melodrama that blasted Golden’s seedy world out in Technicolor.
—Jeff Gage, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025
Thought-provoking and relatable to anyone who has ever been in a long-term relationship, the setup seems perfect for the melodrama and conflict that makes for great relationship comedies.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
Cite this Entry
“Melodrama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melodrama. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
melodrama
noun
melo·dra·ma
ˈmel-ə-ˌdräm-ə
-ˌdram-
1
a
: a work (as a movie or play) marked by the exaggerated emotions of the characters and the importance of action and plot
b
: such works as a group
2
: melodramatic events or behavior
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