Chekhovian

American

[che-koh-vee-uhn, -kaw-fee-, -kof-ee-, chek-aw-fee-uhn, -of-ee-] / tʃɛˈkoʊ vi ən, -ˈkɔ fi-, -ˈkɒf i-, ˈtʃɛk ɔ fi ən, -ɒf i- /

adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of Anton Chekhov or his writings, especially as they are evocative of a mood of introspection and frustration.

Etymology

Origin of Chekhovian

First recorded in 1920–25; Chekhov + -ian

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.

See Examples For:

Chekhovian

The play is remarkable in its structure, which builds tension with Chekhovian grace and ferocity.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 2, 2026

“Heartbreak House: A Fantasia in the Russian Manner on English Themes,” an argumentative state-of-the-nation play with eccentrically drawn characters of Chekhovian complexity, represents the pinnacle of the playwright’s achievement in this genre.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 23, 2024

Ceylan, who co-wrote the script, has a Chekhovian fascination with protagonists weighed down by fate.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 22, 2024

Even so, this exquisitely knowing, distinctly Chekhovian play about lies and illusions handed down as history still has the power to grab us.

From New York Times ● Jan. 24, 2024

Even into his funeral fate brought, by some fatal consistency, many purely Chekhovian traits.

From Reminiscences of Anton Chekhov by I. A. Bunin

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