MELODRAMA Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

melodrama

noun

Definition of melodrama

as in comedy

Related Words

Relevance

as in sentimentality

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 melodrama On the one hand, Julian Fellowes’ juicy melodrama enlists one of the finest ensembles imaginable to bring outsized intensity to a drama of manners. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2026 The series blends traditional melodrama with a Western atmosphere set on ranches and in desert landscapes. — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2026 Yamamoto’s story — and the TV adaptations overseen by Osamu Dezaki, a Swiss Army–knife anime director known for bringing action, sports, and soapy high-school melodrama to life onscreen — spends a huge chunk of time on Hiromi’s insecurities. — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026 The song at times hints at Sabbathian doom metal and crunchy guitar but with unique melodrama. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for melodrama

Recent Examples of Synonyms for melodrama

Noun

The one-day event will screen 12 shorts from seven countries, with documentaries, dramas, comedies, animation and experimental pieces in the mix.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
Because in the 1950s and 1960s, Prince Charles used to listen to a radio show each week called 'The Goon Show,' which was a comedy show where Fred and Gladys were called.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of comedy

Noun

Schweiger is a German actor and filmmaker who debuted in the tragicomedy Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (1997).

— Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
Carys made her professional stage debut in June, playing Nina in Anton Chekhov’s tragicomedy The Seagull in Brooklyn.

— Adam England, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of tragicomedy

Noun

While this gentler effort is unlikely to be similarly impactful, its witty humor and genuine emotionalism recall the best of Pixar, where its director worked as a story artist on such films as Wall-E and Incredibles 2.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
Arpino’s interest in popular culture, athletic technique, and unapologetic emotionalism has found a new audience in the post-Balanchine world.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025

Definition of emotionalism

Noun

Inspired in equal parts by Italian giallo horror flicks and American slasher flicks, the behind-the-scenes psychodrama stars Cotillard as a deathly ill scream queen shooting a sci-fi art film in Rome in 1982 who starts to go out of her mind.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Early loves his creation, enough to spin an entire psychodrama around her, one that will bring her high and low.

— Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

Definition of psychodrama

Noun

And while Parton understood Cyrus’ emotionality, Cyrus said that her ability to cry onstage was also part of what made her performances so difficult.

— Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2026
What is the general vibe and emotionality going through your minds right now at headquarters?

— Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of emotionality

Noun

His story does not add up; there is even more weirdness among extended family, and the tragedies pile up.

— Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce — or in this case, as an uncanny sort of San Francisco camp.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of tragedy

Browse Nearby Words

melodists

melodrama

melodramas

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Melodrama.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melodrama. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of melodrama

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on melodrama

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Luddite

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

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

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

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

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

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes