Drama Vocabulary

adjective exaggerated or overacted in a theatrical way

• The actor's hammy performance in the play received mixed reviews from the critics.
• I can't believe how hammy that actor was in the movie, it was so over the top!
• She always hams it up whenever she's on stage, it's so entertaining to watch.
• His hammy attempts at flirting were not well received by the girl at the bar.

noun a sensational dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions

adjective melodramatic

• The play was filled with melodrama, with characters constantly in emotional turmoil.
• I can't stand watching soap operas because of all the melodrama.
• The movie was so cheesy, it was like a total melodrama fest.
• His reaction to spilling his coffee was pure melodrama, as if it was a life or death situation.

adjective exaggerated or overemotional in behavior, speech, or expression

• Her melodramatic reaction to the situation was quite excessive.
• She always gets so melodramatic whenever things don't go her way.
• Why are you being so melodramatic about it?
• His melodramatic gestures were like something out of a soap opera.

noun a dramatic or theatrical behavior or style that is exaggerated or overly emotional

• The actor's melodramatics on stage were met with mixed reviews from the critics.
• Stop with the melodramatics, we all know you're just trying to get attention.
• She's always so extra with her melodramatics, it's exhausting to be around her.
• His melodramatics were like a soap opera playing out in real life.

noun a person who behaves in an artificial or insincere way, especially in order to deceive or impress others

• The playactor delivered a flawless performance in the Shakespearean play.
• I heard that new guy is a real playactor, he can act in any role!
• That playactor is always putting on a show for attention.
• Don't be a playactor and pretend to be something you're not.

noun a play or other performance considered in terms of its dramatic quality

adjective relating to or characteristic of the theater or acting

• The theatrical performance at the opera house was truly captivating.
• I love going to see theatrical shows with my friends.
• That movie was so over-the-top theatrical, but in a good way.
• Her reaction to the news was so theatrical, you would have thought it was a scene from a play.

noun the profession or activity of acting in plays, movies, or television shows

• The actory delivered a powerful monologue in the final scene of the play.
• I heard that new actory is really talented.
• That actory is totally killing it on stage!
• Her emotions were like an actory's, always changing and unpredictable.

noun a period of intimate conversation or physical intimacy between partners that occurs after sexual activity

• The couple engaged in a deep conversation during the afterplay.
• After the fun part, they had a nice chat during the afterplay.
• They were just chilling and talking after the afterplay.
• The afterplay was like the calm after a storm, where they connected on a deeper level.