Skip to main content
histrion

histrion

9.9
A person who acts in a very dramatic, showy way
  • noun
  • /ˈhɪstriən/
  • Archaic
: histrión
  • Some consider her a true histrion because of her tendency to overact in every role.

Examples

  • Some critics accused him of being more histrion than artist, relying too much on dramatic flair.

  • The histrion delivered his lines with such passion that the entire audience was captivated.

  • In ancient Rome, a histrion was both a performer and a composer of plays.

  • The histrion captivated the audience with his dramatic flair.

  • Many histrions prefer to perform in front of large crowds.

  • The histrion captivated the audience with his dramatic flair and expressive gestures.

  • At the theater, the histrion brought such energy to the performance that it left a lasting impression.

Synonyms

actor
vshistrion
∞ 1.0

A person who acts in plays, films, or television

is a performer known for being overly theatrical and affected in manner
player
vshistrion
  • Archaic
36 2.2

A person who acts on stage in theatre shows

is about a performer who is especially theatrical rather than general stage work
ham
vshistrion
  • Offensive
17 8.3

A performer who acts in an exaggerated way to get attention

is a performer who is theatrical regardless of skill
thespian
vshistrion
16 7.6

A person who acts in plays on stage

is used for a performer who is more theatrical and affected than ordinary
drama king
vshistrion
  • Offensive
1 7.5

A man or boy who makes his feelings seem bigger than they are to get attention

is about theatrical display by a performer rather than mere attention seeking
role player
vshistrion
1 3.3

A person who plays a part in a play, movie, or show

focuses on being theatrical and affected rather than simply performing a role
melodramatist
vshistrion
8.8

A person who reacts in a very emotional way to small ordinary events

is about a performer being theatrical rather than general emotional exaggeration

How Theatrical

histrion
  • Archaic
9.9
ham
  • Offensive
17 8.3
actor
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

histrion singular
histrions plural

Etymology

The word histrion comes from the Latin histrio, which meant 'actor' in ancient Rome. Because those actors often used big gestures and a loud style, histrion now means an actor who is very dramatic or showy.