theatrical
Showy and exaggerated
Theatrical describes what relates to theater or dramatic performance: theatrical productions, theatrical lighting.
More often, it characterizes behavior that seems exaggerated or designed for effect—dramatic in a way that feels performed rather than genuine: She made a theatrical sigh.
The word can be neutral or critical depending on context.
As a noun, theatricals are dramatic performances or, dismissively, overdone displays of emotion.
Exaggeratedly emotional in expression
- emotiveArousing strong feelings
- expressiveShowing feelings outwardly
- intenseExtreme in degree
- climacticRelating to the peak
poignant · suspenseful · gripping · heartrending · stirring · tragic · pathos · overwrought
Inflated beyond reasonable proportion
- flamboyantStrikingly bold in style
- ostentatiousShowily excessive
- grandiosePretentiously impressive in scale
- bombasticExcessively inflated language
melodramatic · effusive · florid · ornate · extravagant · overstated · overdone · overwrought
Temporarily holding position
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- auditionTrial performance for selection
- monologueUninterrupted solo address
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
ensemble · improvisation · characterization · projection · playwright · script · director · troupe
Theater's architectural frame
- backdropRear stage scenery
- sceneryVisible natural surroundings
- wingsLimbs for flight
- orchestra pitRecessed area for musicians
cyclorama · apron · rigging · thrust · black box · revolve · trapdoor · lighting booth
Elaborate ceremonial display
- extravaganzaLavish, elaborate entertainment
- showmanshipSkill at impressive presentation
- grandeurImpressive splendor and scale
- magnificenceImpressive beauty or scale
opulence · pomp · glitz · glamour · panache · splendor · fireworks · pyrotechnics
Garment storage furniture
- period dressClothing replicating historical styles
- garmentsArticles of clothing
- attirePersonal garments collectively
- fittingSuitable or proper
masquerade · gown · tunic · corset · wig · makeup · greasepaint · mask
melodramatic
Exaggeratedly emotional in expression
- emotiveArousing strong feelings
- expressiveShowing feelings outwardly
- intenseExtreme in degree
climactic · poignant · suspenseful · gripping · heartrending · stirring · tragic · pathos · overwrought · sentimental
overblown
Inflated beyond reasonable proportion
- flamboyantStrikingly bold in style
- ostentatiousShowily excessive
- grandiosePretentiously impressive in scale
bombastic · melodramatic · effusive · florid · ornate · extravagant · overstated · overdone · overwrought · campy
acting
Temporarily holding position
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- auditionTrial performance for selection
- monologueUninterrupted solo address
dialogue · ensemble · improvisation · characterization · projection · playwright · script · director · troupe · understudy
proscenium
Theater's architectural frame
orchestra pit · cyclorama · apron · rigging · thrust · black box · revolve · trapdoor · lighting booth · grid
pageantry
Elaborate ceremonial display
- extravaganzaLavish, elaborate entertainment
- showmanshipSkill at impressive presentation
- grandeurImpressive splendor and scale
magnificence · opulence · pomp · glitz · glamour · panache · splendor · fireworks · pyrotechnics · tableau
wardrobe
Garment storage furniture
- period dressClothing replicating historical styles
- garmentsArticles of clothing
- attirePersonal garments collectively
fitting · masquerade · gown · tunic · corset · wig · makeup · greasepaint · mask · headdress
- flashyshowy, flamboyant, glitzy, gaudy, garish
- entertainment businessrecording contract, movie deal, book deal, development deal, talent deal
- Performance Stylesmethod acting, classical acting, comedic acting, screen acting, voice acting
- -al adjectivescultural, emotional, environmental, federal, financial
- dance qualitiesfluidity, graceful, musicality, rhythmic, grace
- event adjectivesannual, scheduled, planned, recurring, upcoming
theatricalunderstated
Deliberately minimized in expression
subdued · restrained · subtle · muted · low-key
theatricalnontheatrical
Not for stage presentation
untheatrical · cinematic · filmic · nondramatic · televisual
- theatrical masksPerformance face coverings
- theatrical workComposition for stage performance
- theatrical troupeGroup performing stage works
- theatrical productionLive performed dramatic work
- theatrical releaseFilm shown in theaters
- theatrical scriptsWritten works for performance
theatrics, theatrically, theatricality, theatric, theatricals, theatricalness, theatricalism, theatricalities, theatrical props