theatricalize

verb

the·​at·​ri·​cal·​ize thē-ˈa-tri-kə-ˌlīz How to pronounce theatricalize (audio)
theatricalized; theatricalizing

transitive verb

1
: to adapt to the theater : dramatize
2
: to display in showy fashion
theatricalization
thē-ˌa-tri-kə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce theatricalize (audio)
noun

Examples of theatricalize 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.
Dance and history and race and loss tempered with hope — what a subject for a musical this would be, if only Paradise Square had managed to theatricalize it. — Helen Shaw, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2022 For some, the humor likely will be cathartic, for others highly uncomfortable, but that clearly is intentional on the part of the artists and, to my mind, a legitimate way to theatricalize the didactic point that this playwright wants to make. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 12 Sep. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theatricalize was in 1778

Rhymes for theatricalize

See All Rhymes for theatricalize

Browse Nearby Words

theatrical gauze
theatricalize
theatricalness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Theatricalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theatricalize. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name that thing flower edition
Name That Flower Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
See All