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theatrical

[thee-a-tri-kuhl] / θiˈæ trɪ kəl /
ADJECTIVE
dramatic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
campy comic exaggerated melodramatic operatic showy
STRONG
thespian vaudeville
WEAK
affected artificial ceremonious dramaturgic hammy histrionic histrionical mannered meretricious ostentatious pompous schmaltzy staged stagy stilted superficial theatric tragic unnatural unreal
Antonyms
WEAK
comedic real undramatic untheatrical

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Melies, a theatrical showman and magician, attended that screening and was inspired to make films of his own.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

The pattern of theatrical diplomacy is a familiar one.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Kanye West closed out Coachella 2011, the year before the fest expanded to double weekends, with a theatrical main stage set that featured dozens of dancers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

In a theatrical culture where queer-coded characters were frequently played for ridicule, Bhaduri's work carried a different weight.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

“He’s our guest,” his mom said in a theatrical whisper.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss

Vocabulary lists containing theatrical

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

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