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
Why did the intel officials go public with lights, cameras and melodrama?
—
Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
Despite being a sports melodrama, the filmmaking fails to distinguish either components, stylistically or narratively.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
Love Is Blind thrives on overwrought music cues, and its soaring, on-the-nose ballads are just another layer of the show’s orchestrated melodrama.
—Clover Hope, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2025
This included a wide range of stories, from Westerns and detective drama to monster films, character serials or melodramas.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
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Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
Despite being a sports melodrama, the filmmaking fails to distinguish either components, stylistically or narratively.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
Love Is Blind thrives on overwrought music cues, and its soaring, on-the-nose ballads are just another layer of the show’s orchestrated melodrama.
—Clover Hope, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2025
This included a wide range of stories, from Westerns and detective drama to monster films, character serials or melodramas.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Feb. 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 21 Mar. 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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