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; see origin at dramatic, -ics

Example Sentences

The highs, the lows, the dramatics, the desperation, it was all there when nothing was there, it was the feeling that even with everything gone, you still belonged to something.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2025

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 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

It was from here that he entered the world of showbiz, meeting a young Sir Stephen Fry who invited him to join the Cambridge Footlights - the university's famous amateur dramatics club.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2025

I sat down to enjoy adult Negro dramatics.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright