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 SpongeBob SquarePants Movie serves as a theatrical nod to the TV crossovers. — James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 The pic premiered at 2026’s Sundance Film Festival before securing theatrical distribution from IFC the following month. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026 The Mandalorian and Grogu do a double-header on September 2, with both the theatrical movie and the Lego version dropping. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 With thousands of people packing the festival grounds in front of her, Halsey takes a more theatrical approach with The Girl in the Tower. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theatrical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theatrical
  1. dramatic
  2. operatic
  3. emotional
Adjective
  • Though the Roman telescope is often compared to Hubble, which launched in 1990 and has captured some of the most dramatic and memorable views of the cosmos, Roman’s capabilities far outpace its predecessor’s.
    — Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Sabu cast Ethan Juan, known for serious dramatic roles, and pushed him toward comedy.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of dramatic
Adjective
  • Shot across the teeming city streets and the majestic underground caves of Ireland, Bucking Fastard features operatic imagery from the director’s longtime cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • But the illicit art is only part of the operatic tale of the literal rise and metaphorical fall of what have become informally known as the graffiti towers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of operatic
Adjective
  • Rather than just a reproductive issue, endometriosis is a whole-body condition, affecting everything from emotional regulation to hormone production and gut health.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The song, famously written by Parton as an emotional farewell to her mentor Porter Wagoner and his show, topped the country chart in 1974.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of emotional

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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 2 Sep. 2026.

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