melodramatic

American

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

adjective

of, like, or befitting melodrama.
exaggerated and emotional or sentimental; sensational or sensationalized; overdramatic.

noun

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They included the melodramatic performer and actress Lola Heatherton, a Spandex-clad lounge singer known for her manic performances.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

There’s nothing sort of overly melodramatic or cathartic about it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

It’s a lofty goal, but it might not be very relevant, just like the absurd details of Kennedy’s melodramatic history.

From Salon • Nov. 29, 2025

Mr. Desplechin takes a quick-cutting, kaleidoscopic approach to this domestic epic, and evokes in richly melodramatic style the feeling of passing the holidays with extended family.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

They pressed their heads tenderly against his bosom, muttering endearing and melodramatic lovey-doveys, even as they also anxiously listened to see if the old ticker really was on its last legs.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

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