melodramatic

American  

[mel-uh-druh-mat-ik] / ˌmɛl ə drəˈmæt ɪk /

adjective

1. of, like, or befitting melodrama.

2. exaggerated and emotional or sentimental; sensational or sensationalized; overdramatic.

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noun

1. melodramatics, melodramatic writing or behavior.

Other Word Forms

• melodramatically adverb
• nonmelodramatic adjective
• nonmelodramatically adverb
• unmelodramatic adjective
• unmelodramatically adverb

Etymology

Origin of melodramatic

First recorded in 1810–20; melodrama + (drama)tic

Example Sentences

Still, I volunteered to do the deed myself so I could whisper a melodramatic goodbye to Pierre.

From Literature

Besson always manages to get his actors on the same page he is, and both Jones and Bleu match the director’s campy operatic tone in their melodramatic performances.

From Los Angeles Times

Her melodramatic sorrow at her stilted relationship with Alexis is palpable even as she mourns her daughter’s unwillingness to join her on a wine tasting tour in France . . . when Alexis was seven.

From Salon

Ms. Schilinski roams in and out of all the impressions and recollections, most of them stained by sadness and regret, without turning maudlin or melodramatic.

From The Wall Street Journal

The statement, posted on Facebook, drew a range of sentiment, from support for the department to jokes about what they considered the deputy’s melodramatic response.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• theatrical