# melodramatic

/ˌmɛɫədɹəˈmætɪk/ (US) · /mˌɛlədɹɐmˈætɪk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/melodramatic
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

describing a situation or a person's behavior that is very emotional and exaggerated. It often feels fake or over-the-top, like a soap opera.

For teachers: characterised by exaggerated emotional expression or dramatic intensity. Often used to describe performances or situations that are perceived as artificial or overly sentimental.

## Examples

- His reaction to the small problem was very melodramatic.
- The film's melodramatic plot features a hero who must save his family from a burning mansion.
- While some critics praised the film's melodramatic style as a necessary emotional tool, others found the exaggerated dialogue to be a significant barrier to the story's realism.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.