melodrama
noun
melo·dra·ma
ˈme-lə-ˌdrä-mə 
-ˌdra-
1
a
: a work (such as a movie or play) characterized by extravagant theatricality and by the predominance of plot and physical action over characterization
an actor with a flair for melodrama
b
: the genre (see genre sense 1) of dramatic literature constituted by such works
2
: something resembling a melodrama especially in having a sensational or theatrical quality
The trial turned into a melodrama.
Examples of melodrama in a Sentence
Critics dismissed his work as melodrama.
an actor with a talent for melodrama
She is starring in another melodrama.
The trial turned into a melodrama.
a life full of melodrama
Recent Examples on the Web
The show is over-the-top melodrama, but writer and co-creator Taylor Sheridan obviously chose real-life conflicts in Montana and other western states to base the plot on.
—
Ryleigh Nucilli, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024
Schmaltz refers to excessive sentimentality or melodrama and is often used for art, movies, music or storytelling purposes.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 2 Nov. 2024
Watch on Deadline Writer Mak Tin-shu, whose credits include last year’s milestone alien invasion extravaganza Warriors of Future, offsets the action with a generous showering of overwrought melodrama, as is to be expected from such a bombastic crowdpleaser.
—James Marsh, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024
Now 94, he’s been prolific and unpredictable ever since, turning out films that have ranged from police thrillers to melodramas to an old-fashioned musical.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for melodrama 
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Ryleigh Nucilli, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024
Schmaltz refers to excessive sentimentality or melodrama and is often used for art, movies, music or storytelling purposes.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 2 Nov. 2024
Watch on Deadline Writer Mak Tin-shu, whose credits include last year’s milestone alien invasion extravaganza Warriors of Future, offsets the action with a generous showering of overwrought melodrama, as is to be expected from such a bombastic crowdpleaser.
—James Marsh, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024
Now 94, he’s been prolific and unpredictable ever since, turning out films that have ranged from police thrillers to melodramas to an old-fashioned musical.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for melodrama
Dictionary Entries Near melodrama
Cite this Entry
“Melodrama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melodrama. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
melodrama
noun
melo·dra·ma
ˈmel-ə-ˌdräm-ə
-ˌdram-
1
a
: a work (as a movie or play) marked by the exaggerated emotions of the characters and the importance of action and plot
b
: such works as a group
2
: melodramatic events or behavior
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