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theatrics

American  
[thee-a-triks] / θiˈæ trɪks /

noun

  1. (used with a singular verb) the art of staging plays and other stage performances.

  2. (used with a plural verb) exaggerated, artificial, or histrionic mannerisms, actions, or words.


theatrics British  
/ θɪˈætrɪks /

noun

  1. the art of staging plays

  2. exaggerated mannerisms or displays of emotions

"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 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.

See Examples For:

The character is a vain celebrity author known for his theatrics and questionable character.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026

Like Joshua, Itauma often appears uninterested in the theatrics of fight week.

From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026

One AI lab insider sniffed: “We would be fools reacting to Karpian theatrics; he does well talking his own book.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026

At the time, the Iaquinta fight was eclipsed by the exact kind of theatrics that the UFC values and that increasingly overshadow the sport itself.

From Slate ● Jun. 14, 2026

The whole world practices theatrics, I thought, and laughed again.

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood

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