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Synonym Chooser

How is the word dramatic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dramatic are histrionic, melodramatic, and theatrical. While all these words mean "having a character or an effect like that of acted plays," dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply.

a dramatic meeting of world leaders

In what contexts can histrionic take the place of dramatic?

Although the words histrionic and dramatic have much in common, histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess.

a histrionic show of grief

When would melodramatic be a good substitute for dramatic?

While in some cases nearly identical to dramatic, melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism.

made a melodramatic plea

When can theatrical be used instead of dramatic?

While the synonyms theatrical and dramatic are close in meaning, theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression.

a theatrical oration

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 dramatic Amanda Anisimova of the United States reacts during her dramatic victory against Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships. / Cbs News, CBS News, 10 July 2025 Nvidia’s historic rally has had a dramatic impact on the personal fortune of its co-founder and CEO, Jensen Huang. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 9 July 2025 All of the hotels voted by readers offer personalized service and thoughtful amenities, like Raffles Boston (No. 7) with its three-story Sky Lobby all the way up on the 17th floor offering dramatic city views. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025 Males are slightly smaller than females and are known for dramatic courtship displays involving rapid wing beats and vocal trills. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dramatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dramatic
Adjective
  • The ribbed texture is noticeable, but not too thick, and the contouring on the back and front could not be more flattering.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • The team issued an advisory noting that residents in nearby communities may see a noticeable increase in smoke July 5 coming from the southwest flank of the Oak Ridge Fire.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • And there’s all kinds of theatrical fun at Bourbon Steak in Las Vegas.
    Andy Wang, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Off the heels of Dior Men’s era of Kim Jones, who offered elegant twists on menswear in theatrical runway shows, Anderson ushered in a playful, everyday sense of luxury, delving into the house’s heritage by reintroducing classic silhouettes morphed in new ways.
    Alice Pfeiffer, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, the picture wall, which originally served as the fort’s private entrance, is one of the most prominent architectural features of the site and is partly responsible for its ‘world heritage’ listing.
    Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • The largest and most prominent piece in the exhibit, which runs through Oct. 19, is not by its main subject, 18th century artist George Romney.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Call Her Daddy host performed the classic track during the seventh-inning stretch of the game between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Sunday night, offering an operatic take alongside two backup performers that elicited boos from the packed stadium.
    EW.com, EW.com, 7 July 2025
  • The chorus is essentially one word (peaches) repeated incessantly with operatic bombast.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • There’s a certain romanticism that lies at the heart of these remarkable gins, something conjured, perhaps, by that dramatic meeting of land and sea.
    Camille Berry, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Google stock has already achieved remarkable gains, growing 2x from $88 levels in early 2023 to approximately $180 at present.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Tigers have been the surprise team in baseball this season and currently have a commanding lead in the AL Central.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • Trump’s criticism came after Mamdani, 33, took a commanding lead over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s primary race.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The All-American scored nine goals and added eight assists while registering an impressive 80-percent faceoff winning percentage.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025
  • Both have been lauded for their dedication and impressive in-ring performances, with Logan Paul currently reigning as the United States Champion.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Raina Lipsitz: That’s what was most striking to me.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
  • His work presents a vivid record of what is at stake and a striking contrast to his earlier images of exploitation and ruin.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dramatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dramatic. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dramatic

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