melodrama Definition
a sensational dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions..
Using melodrama: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "melodrama" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The play was a melodrama about a woman who was falsely accused of murder.
Example
The movie was criticized for its overuse of melodrama.
Example
The novel is a classic example of Victorian melodrama.
melodrama Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for melodrama
- tearjerker
- soap opera
- sentimental drama
Phrases with melodrama
a melodramatic work that focuses on family relationships, often with a soap opera-like quality
Example
The TV series was a family melodrama that followed the lives of three generations of a wealthy family.
a melodramatic work that incorporates music, often with a romantic or sentimental theme
Example
The theater company specializes in musical melodramas that are popular with audiences of all ages.
a person who is prone to exaggerating their emotions and creating drama in their personal life
Example
She's such a melodrama queen - every little thing seems to upset her.
Origins of melodrama
from French 'mélodrame', from Greek 'melos' (song) + 'drama' (drama)
Summary: melodrama in Brief
A 'melodrama' [ˈmɛlədrɑːmə] is a sensational dramatic work with exaggerated characters and events that aim to evoke strong emotions. It can be a play, movie, or novel, and often has a soap opera-like quality. Examples include 'The play was a melodrama about a woman who was falsely accused of murder.' 'Melodrama' can also refer to a person who is prone to exaggerating their emotions and creating drama in their personal life, known as a 'melodrama queen.'