soap opera

noun

Definition of soap operanext
as in sludge
something (as a work of literature or music) that is too sentimental the movie started out well, but quickly devolved into improbable soap opera

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 soap opera What started out with a kiss between two Democratic officials in a local township office has devolved into a southwest suburban political soap opera with the potential to reshape competitive races for Congress and the Cook County Board. — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 What had been a highlight of his hunting career was turning into a soap opera, with Rompola painted as the villain by those who never saw the deer or the antlers and didn’t know much, if anything, about it. — Richard P. Smith, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026 The Giants are putting crowds to sleep, the 49ers are trapped in a daytime soap opera, and the Warriors — who have given you no reason to believe — and the Sharks, who have — aren’t playing yet. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 In a role originally played by Al Corley, soap opera alum Jack Coleman took over as Steven, one of the first gay main characters on American television, in season 3. — Maggie Fremont, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for soap opera
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soap opera
  1. sludge
  2. corn
Noun
  • Residents sat in homes with walls washed away by the floods, shoveling sludge-like mud and rubble off balconies or window frames.
    — Victoria Milko, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Venezuelan oil, by contrast, is heavy, sour sludge, which can more easily be distilled into asphalt, industrial oils, diesel and jet fuel.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of sludge
Noun
  • Global supply concerns have sent benchmark corn and wheat futures to three-year highs, and soybeans are near the highest since 2024.
    — Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Add the hominy and corn and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until tender, then season lightly with salt.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of corn

Browse Nearby Words

soapboxes
soap opera
soap-operatic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Soap opera.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soap%20opera. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on soap opera

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about soap opera

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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