theatrical

[ thee-a-tri-kuhl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the theater or dramatic presentations:

   theatrical performances.

2. suggestive of the theater or of acting; artificial, pompous, spectacular, or extravagantly histrionic:

   a theatrical display of grief.

   Synonyms: extravagant, stagy, melodramatic, exaggerated

noun

1. theatricals,
   1. dramatic performances, now especially as given by amateurs.
   2. artificial or histrionic actions.
2. a professional actor:

   a family of renowned theatricals.

theatrical

/ θɪˈætrɪkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the theatre or dramatic performances
2. exaggerated and affected in manner or behaviour; histrionic

Derived Forms

• theˌatriˈcality, noun
• theˈatrically, adverb

Other Words From

• the·at·ri·cal·i·ty [thee-a-tri-, kal, -i-tee], the·atri·cal·ness noun
• the·atri·cal·ly adverb
• half-the·atri·cal adjective
• nonthe·atric adjective
• nonthe·atri·cal adjective
• nonthe·atri·cal·ly adverb
• over·the·atri·cal adjective
• over·the·atri·cal·ly adverb
• over·the·atri·cal·ness noun
• quasi-the·atri·cal adjective
• quasi-the·atri·cal·ly adverb
• semi·the·atric adjective
• semi·the·atri·cal adjective
• semi·the·atri·cal·ly adverb
• unthe·atric adjective
• unthe·atri·cal adjective
• unthe·atri·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of theatrical¹

1550–60; < Late Latin theātric ( us ) < Greek theātrikós, equivalent to theā́tr ( on ) theater + -ikos -ic + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Movies currently in theatrical release will also be available on-demand, including The Hunt, The Invisible Man, and Emma.

From Vox

After the coronavirus pandemic forced Disney to delay and eventually cancel a global theatrical release of its live-action Mulan earlier this year, the movie debuted on the company’s streaming platform on Friday.

From Fortune

In addition to the upcoming broadcast, the studio has also created a number of documentaries and scripted products, some with scheduled theatrical releases.

From Digiday

Hollywood studios subsequently delayed the theatrical releases of their blockbuster movies that were scheduled to come out this summer.

From Quartz

The 90-day theatrical exclusivity window dates back to the 1980s, when VHS tapes became popular around the world.

From Quartz

In reality,” Francis said, “theatrical severity and sterile pessimism are often symptoms of fear and insecurity.

From The Daily Beast

He speaks about the challenges of doing a live theatrical production without being able to feed off a live audience.

From The Daily Beast

This is one of the reasons why young people enjoy theatrical activities.

From The Daily Beast

He approaches the composition of a painting rather as a theatrical director might set the scene of a play.

From The Daily Beast

No doubt Smith hopes to paint Glock as a monster once again, and the theatrical complaint pulls no punches.

From The Daily Beast

The same is true when children play at being Indians or what not: they are not "acting" in the theatrical sense of the word.

From Project Gutenberg

It was theatrical: he stood upon the stage, an audience watching him with intent expectancy, wondering upon his decision.

From Project Gutenberg

I dont believe your mother knew you had that theatrical man to drive with you, said Laura, bluntly.

From Project Gutenberg

It is with them as with theatrical pieces, there may be one good out of a thousand.

From Project Gutenberg

We are the heaven-sent leaders of all "New" enterprises, whether literary, theatrical, or artistic.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• campy
• comic
• exaggerated
• melodramatic
• operatic
• showy