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

Relevance

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 Slated for theatrical release on Friday, the documentary had a surprise premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in September that brought Holmes back into the public eye. — Dorie Clark, Contributor, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 The firm is also developing a feature film in Scandinavia, slated for theatrical release in 2027. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026 Now their lives are a haunted, claustrophobic cartoon, and Golyak revels in its theatrical opportunities. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026 Nearly two years after his solo debut, Heavy Metal, the concert film documenting his victory-lap performance at Carnegie Hall last December is nearing its theatrical release. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theatrical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theatrical
  1. dramatic
  2. operatic
  3. emotional
Adjective
  • Another image showed Fox reclining beneath the same dramatic lighting in a metallic two-piece swimsuit.
    — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Baylor’s big quiet concern Baylor’s McLane Stadium is the centerpiece of a dramatic redesign that gives the city of Waco a visible lift that does nothing but help morale, for the university, students and residents.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of dramatic
Adjective
  • In the nearby piano bar, a baby grand owned by Mary’s grandmother that later lived in her parents’ home has a piano harp signed by the legendary operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
    — Richard A. Marini, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • By Sunday night, videos from both performances went viral on social media as online users marveled at the Spanish singer’s operatic vocals and orchestral melodies.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of operatic
Adjective
  • The breakthrough was to make Bonnie’s loneliness the emotional engine.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Building an international band that includes Eiko Ishibashi, Jim O’Rourke, and a whistler, the Australian guitarist shapes longform spells of emotional and musical ambiguity.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of emotional

Browse Nearby Words

theaters-in-the-round
theatrical
theatricals
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Theatrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theatrical. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of jilt

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All