DRAMATIC Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

dramatic

adjective

drə-ˈma-tik

Definition of dramatic next

as in theatric

having the general quality or effect of a stage performance the basketball player's dramatic announcement of his sudden retirement held everybody spellbound

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in theatrical

given to or marked by attention-getting behavior suggestive of stage acting oh, don't be so dramatic, and just tell us, without the pregnant pauses, what happened

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as in noticeable

likely to attract attention a dramatic drop in the temperature overnight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of dramatic What’s left frames the dramatic cylindrical hairspring within a large tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock. —

Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2025 Elite Israeli forces conducted a dramatic raid in Syria, destroying a secret underground long-range missile factory that also contained information about Syria's chemical weapons program in September, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). —

Fox News Staff, Fox News, 9 Jan. 2025 This season the Steelers experienced a dramatic production fall-off during a four-game losing streak to end the regular season. —

Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025 The dramatic increase in CEO turnover will focus particular attention on the adequacy of board oversight of executive succession practices. —

Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dramatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dramatic

Adjective

And perhaps the most noticeable change: BMW eliminated the traditional gauge cluster in the dash in favor of a customizable digital version projected onto the windshield.

Abigail Bassett, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025
Erivo has long been synonymous with her nails—but her manicures were especially noticeable while promoting Wicked.

Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 5 Jan. 2025