Pronunciation: th ē - ' a-tri-k ə l
Variant: also the · at · ric \ -trik \
Function: adjective
Date: 1558
1 : of or relating to the theater or the presentation of plays <a theatrical costume>
2 : marked by pretense or artificiality of emotion
3 a : HISTRIONIC <a theatrical gesture> b : marked by extravagant display or exhibitionism
synonyms see DRAMATIC
– the · at · ri · cal · ism \ -k ə - ˌ li-z ə m \ noun
– the · at · ri · cal · i · ty \ - ˌ a-tr ə - ' ka-l ə -t ē \ noun
– the · at · ri · cal · ly \ - ' a-tri-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb