¹theatrical

adjective the·at·ri·cal \thē-ˈa-tri-kəl\

: of or relating to the theater

: behaving or done in a way that is meant to attract attention and that is often not genuine or sincere

Full Definition of THEATRICAL

: of or relating to the theater or the presentation of plays <a theatrical costume>

: marked by pretense or artificiality of emotion

a : histrionic <a theatrical gesture>

b : marked by extravagant display or exhibitionism

— the·at·ri·cal·ism \-kə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

— the·at·ri·cal·i·ty \-ˌa-trə-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun

— the·at·ri·cal·ly \-ˈa-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See theatrical defined for English-language learners

See theatrical defined for kids

Variants of THEATRICAL

the·at·ri·cal also the·at·ric \-trik\

First Known Use of THEATRICAL

1558

Related to THEATRICAL

Synonyms: dramatic, hammy, histrionic, melodramatic, stagy (or stagey)

Antonyms: undramatic

Synonym Discussion of THEATRICAL

dramatic, theatrical, histrionic, melodramatic mean having a character or an effect like that of acted plays. dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply <a dramatic meeting of world leaders>. theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression <a theatrical oration>. histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess <a histrionic show of grief>. melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism <made a melodramatic plea>.