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

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 • Jan. 15, 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

So, is the singer this melodramatic in her real life relationships?

From BBC • Oct. 15, 2025

Described by some as incoherent ranting and too melodramatic, Bobby’s story, if it could be trusted on the basics, was truly horrifying.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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