dramatics

American  

[druh-mat-iks] / drəˈmæt ɪks /

noun

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) the art of producing or acting dramas.

2. (used with a plural verb) dramatic productions, especially by amateurs.

3. (used with a plural verb) dramatic, overly emotional, or insincere behavior.

   His friends are tired of all his phony dramatics.

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dramatics British  

/ drəˈmætɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular or plural)

   1. the art of acting or producing plays

   2. dramatic productions

2. (usually functioning as plural) histrionic behaviour

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Etymology

Origin of dramatics

First recorded in 1675–85; dramatic, -ics

Example Sentences

That “rift” may have been mildly overcooked for TV dramatics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

Two Lions touchdowns were erased by penalties in the last 30 seconds of a wild Steelers’ win, but the on-field dramatics were overshadowed by DK Metcalf taking a swing at a fan.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

The movie seems to recoil from its own hammering dramatics, with Bryce Dessner’s score toggling uneasily between jocular blues and dour, overcompensating strings.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2025

But it’s when she turns inward that Madison’s performance starts to sing, revealing the great depth behind her character’s hardened exterior without the need for any showy dramatics.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2025

Alex thought about Bri, how few scenes she made compared to Julie’s endless whining or Aunt Lorraine’s dramatics.

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer