melodramatic

American

[mel-uh-druh-mat-ik] / ˌmɛl ə drəˈmæt ɪk /

adjective

of, like, or befitting melodrama.
exaggerated and emotional or sentimental; sensational or sensationalized; overdramatic.

noun

melodramatics, melodramatic writing or behavior.

Other Word Forms

melodramatically adverb
nonmelodramatic adjective
nonmelodramatically adverb
unmelodramatic adjective
unmelodramatically adverb

Etymology

Origin of melodramatic

First recorded in 1810–20; melodrama + (drama)tic

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.

Besson always manages to get his actors on the same page he is, and both Jones and Bleu match the director’s campy operatic tone in their melodramatic performances.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

Occasionally undone by melodramatic tendencies, “All That’s Left of You” catalogs the emotional toll that occupation visits on the oppressed.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026

It’s a lofty goal, but it might not be very relevant, just like the absurd details of Kennedy’s melodramatic history.

From Salon • Nov. 29, 2025

Mr. Desplechin takes a quick-cutting, kaleidoscopic approach to this domestic epic, and evokes in richly melodramatic style the feeling of passing the holidays with extended family.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

“More cruel than ever. Don’t you see how I’m pining away?” and Laurie gave his broad chest a sounding slap and heaved a melodramatic sigh.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023