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Definition of melodramatic

melodramatic

/ˌmɛlədrəˈmætɪk/
mel · o · dra · mat · ic
Adverb:melodramatically
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melodramatic Lexical Profile

melodramatic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Showing or characterized by exaggerated, overly emotional, or theatrical behavior that is disproportionate to the actual situation.

Example

"She gave a melodramatic sigh when she realized the bakery had sold out of her favorite pastry."

2

Relating to or characteristic of melodrama, especially a work of fiction, film, or theater that relies on sensational plots, crude appeals to emotion, and stereotyped characters.

Example

"Critics faulted the nineteenth-century novel for its melodramatic plot twists and one-dimensional villains."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for melodramatic

• Nearby Words

melodiously
melodiousness
melodrama
melodramatic
melodramatically
melodramatics
melody

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century from 'melodrama', which comes via French mélodrame from Ancient Greek melos ('song') and drama ('action, play'), originally referring to a stage play interspersed with instrumental music to heighten emotional tension.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Melodramatic. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/melodramatic
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