dramatically
Americanadverb
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in a way that relates to plays or the theater; in or as a play.
The author's choice of words may imply that his text is to be read aloud or acted out dramatically.
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in a way characteristic of or appropriate to the theater, especially in involving conflict, intense emotion, or exaggerated speech or action.
The speaker was quite a showman, first crouching behind the lectern, then rising up dramatically to demonstrate the rapid progress of some nations.
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in a way that is typical of a play in form or structure.
The film is dramatically structured—not in its narrative form, but in the way it focuses on the faces, bodies, and voices of specific performers.
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in a striking way; with a striking effect or to a striking degree.
During Hurricane Sandy, mobile internet usage spiked dramatically as people went online to get answers.
Her dark hat and scarf dramatically set off her pale and delicate features.
Usage
What does dramatically mean? Dramatically means done in a striking or theatrical way, as if acting. When used literally, dramatically is used when someone does something for the sake of a performance, as in a play. Drama describes the art of writing or producing a play, and something that is done dramatically is done in an effort to further that play. More often, the term dramatically is used figuratively to describe someone being overly flamboyant or petty. Someone who is acting dramatically may display their emotions for the sake of seeking attention or may respond in an argument with undue levels of anger or harshness. Example: The kids always act dramatically when I say we can’t have pizza for dinner.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dramatically
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.
I suspect the lineup will change dramatically next year.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026
There is no single fix, but some options include handing off U.S. bottling, or, even more dramatically, separating the drinks business through a sale or spinoff.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2026
When specialists examined the donated brain, they discovered an unusual pattern in which neighboring regions showed dramatically different amounts of Alzheimer's-related damage.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 15, 2026
"Things have calmed down dramatically since the early 2000s," Zimbo, who now mentors youngsters, said.
From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026
Haley dramatically waved goodbye to Kyle and all her adoring fans as she traipsed out of the Electronic Learning Center.
From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein
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