theatrics
Americannoun
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(used with a singular verb) the art of staging plays and other stage performances.
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(used with a plural verb) exaggerated, artificial, or histrionic mannerisms, actions, or words.
noun
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the art of staging plays
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exaggerated mannerisms or displays of emotions
Etymology
Origin of theatrics
1800–10; theatr(ic) ( def. ) + -ics
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.
The U.S. representative says, “I am asking you to trust us, Pierre. Because our nations go back, and because for all our theatrics we are a good people.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
The fights were still good, even if White’s matchups started prioritizing personality conflicts over actual talent, and the theatrics had a trashy sort of appeal I could get behind.
From Slate ● Jun. 14, 2026
Tamil Nadu has long been attuned to political theatrics, where cinema and power often blur into one continuum.
From BBC ● May 5, 2026
Josh and Lindsay’s high society Kabuki theatrics don’t save their union or replenish her bank account.
From Salon ● Apr. 23, 2026
I turn back to Philbert, who’s always good for a joke to keep the mood light, but he’s stopped his staggering theatrics.
From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
