as in theatrical
given to or marked by attention-getting behavior suggestive of stage acting
a hammy singer whose overwrought renditions of love songs just beg listeners to cry
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Recent Examples of hammy
But sometimes this hammy hilarity can feel like a substitute for thoughtful plotting and considerate character development.
—
Niela Orr, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
The result is moving, but just a little hammy.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025
Yes, the natural charisma is there, but gone are the hammy flourishes and over-the-top gags.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
Injury watch Justin Jefferson’s hammy will make its 2025 debut Monday night, and Vikings fans should not be expecting an all-world opener.
—Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hammy
Niela Orr, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
The result is moving, but just a little hammy.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025
Yes, the natural charisma is there, but gone are the hammy flourishes and over-the-top gags.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
Injury watch Justin Jefferson’s hammy will make its 2025 debut Monday night, and Vikings fans should not be expecting an all-world opener.
—Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hammy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hammy
Adjective
-
The rise in streaming, the pandemic and shifting theatrical windows altered people’s moviegoing habits, perhaps permanently.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
But this stunner of a show, based on the Joel Schumacher film, is a solid theatrical transformation, rich in imagination, humor and heart — and with spectacular special effects.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The life of a music director at a major opera company is inevitably one engaged in tragedy, and Conlon exhibits the dramatic flair to grip its emotional immensity.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
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Surely, many are concerned over the dramatic impact this innovation will have on jobs and workforce participation, particularly given how quickly these changes are anticipated.—
Bill Connolly,
Rolling Stone,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hammy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hammy. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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