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Synonyms

space opera

American  
[op-er-uh, op-ruh] / ˈɒp ər ə, ˈɒp rə /

noun

  1. a television or radio drama or motion picture that is a science-fiction adventure story.


space opera British  

noun

  1. a science fiction drama, such as a film or television programme, esp one dealing with interplanetary flight

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of space opera

First recorded in 1945–50

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.

See Examples For:

It's a genre of movie he is no stranger to, having starred in Neil Armstrong biography First Man in 2018, whilst he is also set to appear in the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter space opera.

From BBC Mar. 18, 2026

The mecha franchise “Gundam” is best known for its giant robots, but it’s a sprawling space opera that touches on political themes including the horrors of corruption, inequity and war.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 4, 2025

Invoking George Lucas' multi-generational appealing space opera indicated a level of seriousness about world-building and expansion.

From Salon Jul. 19, 2024

Sofia Boutella and Djimon Hounsou lead the ensemble cast in Snyder’s “Star War” riff space opera.

From Seattle Times Apr. 14, 2024

Folks need to get their space opera life right.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas

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