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Showing results for theatrical. Search instead for theatrica.
Definitions

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

There is always something theatrical about politics, especially in countries like Hungary, where memories of a glorious but irrecoverable past dominate the public imagination.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Briton Tyson Fury delivered a typically theatrical monologue as he took aim at opponent Arslanbek Makhmudov, rival heavyweights and even a struggling Premier League club.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Our critic noted that “his expansive theatrical vision embraced the outstanding work of the top-flight cast headed by Michael Spyres and Lise Davidsen.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

“Now that is the most theatrical display of melodramatics I have ever seen in my life.”

From "Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus" by Dusti Bowling

Vocabulary lists containing theatrical

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

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