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Here is an updated list of over 200 words drama and theatre students can use in school essays to help describe theatre performances they have seen. This version includes several easy-to-understand synonyms beside each adjective in case readers are unfamiliar with certain words.
Seeing a professional theatre performance is such a rich and rewarding experience for drama students. But coming back to class and analysing a performance can sometimes be a complex task. Written analyses often need to include aspects of plot, characterisation, acting, production areas, and even performance styles such as absurdism, epic theatre, political theatre, or magical realism. Even very capable students can have trouble using the most appropriate words to describe what they witnessed at the theatre.
This list of adjectives will help students successfully complete a theatre review, performance analysis, or evaluation. It can also be used to describe in-class plays performed by peers. The list should also prove useful for university drama and theatre students.
200 Words to Describe Theatre Performances
| Word | Meaning via Simple Synonyms |
|---|---|
| abhorrent | revolting, disgusting, offensive, repugnant, obnoxious |
| absorbing | compelling, gripping, captivating, enthralling, engrossing |
| abysmal | appalling, terrible, awful, atrocious, disgraceful |
| accessible | understandable, comprehensible, conceivable, |
| accomplished | skilled, masterly, fine, excellent, capable, polished |
| adequate | satisfactory, fair, reasonable, respectable, acceptable |
| admirable | fine, excellent, stellar, marvellous, magnificent |
| airy | weak, tenuous, dubious, flawed, unconvincing |
| alarming | startling, shocking, frightening, daunting, chilling |
| amazing | remarkable, incredible, astounding, spectacular, marvellous |
| ambitious | grand, imposing, majestic, impressive, glorious |
| amusing | comical, humourous, witty, funny, entertaining |
| appealing | attractive, agreeable, pleasing, charming, captivating |
| arresting | striking, gripping, absorbing, remarkable, enthralling |
| astonishing | extraordinary, amazing, staggering, stunning, breathtaking |
| attractive | beautiful, tasteful, stylish, refined, exquisite |
| awful | hideous, appalling, dreadful, horrid, loathsome |
| bad | atrocious, awful, horrible, deplorable, abysmal |
| beautiful | gorgeous, charming, striking, stunning, appealing |
| boring | dreary, drab, uninspiring, dull, lacklustre |
| breathtaking | magnificent, exhilarating, astonishing, electrifying, spectacular |
| brilliant | splendid, superb, outstanding, exceptional, awesome, fantastic |
| captivating | charming, alluring, enchanting, fascinating, appealing |
| clever | ingenious, inventive, innovative, skilful, accomplished |
| coherent | comprehendible, accessible, clear, eloquent, straightforward |
| colourful | exciting, thrilling, extravagant, attractive, exceptional, eye-catching |
| commendable | worthy, admirable, praiseworthy, deserving, exemplary |
| compelling | enthralling, gripping, captivating, absorbing, engrossing |
| convincing | compelling, effective, credible, influential, conclusive |
| dazzling | extraordinary, outstanding, remarkable, staggering, amazing |
| decent | adequate, reasonable, mediocre, average, fair, unexceptional |
| demanding | challenging, taxing, arduous, gruelling, bruising |
| depressing | sombre, gloomy, dreary, dark, cheerless, forlorn, solemn |
| disgraceful | shameful, despicable, vile, dreadful, appalling |
| distasteful | unpleasant, disagreeable, displeasing, bad, disgusting |
| dynamic | energetic, lively, spirited, high-powered, potent, aggressive |
| dysfunctional | flawed, defective, broken, unfit, futile, inept |
| effective | useful, valuable, powerful, adequate, constructive |
| elaborate | complex, detailed, sophisticated, extensive, complicated |
| electric | stimulating, exciting, thrilling, rousing, inspiring, breathtaking |
| empty | bare, vacant, void, barren, stark, vacuous |
| energising | envigorating, refreshing, vitalising, enlivening, motivating |
| engaging | charming, pleasing, fetching, captivating, enchanting, gorgeous |
| enjoyable | delightful, amusing, entertaining, satisfying, lovely |
| entertaining | captivating, engaging, enchanting, enthralling, absorbing, appealing |
| enthralling | gripping, fascinating, captivating, entrancing, riveting, engrossing |
| eventful | outstanding, exceptional, excellent, superb, brilliant |
| excellent | exceptional, brilliant, exquisite, magnificent, distinguished, amazing |
| exceptional | extraordinary, remarkable, outstanding, phenomenal, superior |
| excessive | lavish, opulent, sumptuous, grand, extravagant |
| exciting | thrilling, exhilarating, stimulating, dramatic, electrifying |
| exemplary | fine, admirable, exceptional, worthy, perfect |
| exhilarating | rousing, thrilling, electrifying, breathtaking, exciting |
| extraordinary | exceptional, remarkable, astonishing, sensational, fantastic |
| fantastic | wonderful, superb, impressive, stellar, magnificent, terrific |
| fast-paced | rapidly, expeditiously, swiftly, quickly |
| fine | quickly, quickly, supreme, superior, divine, striking, superb |
| first-class | superior, topnotch, finest, exceptional, unsurpassed |
| flawless | faultless, unblemished, immaculate, consummate, impeccable |
| focused | steadfast, unwavering, unfaltering, dogged, persistent, staunch |
| frivolous | superficial, simplistic, shallow, flimsy, lightweight |
| functional | practical, effective, suitable, adequate, useful |
| futile | useless, ineffective, pointless, unproductive, worthless |
| gentle | delicate, tender, calm, soothing, mellow, tranquil |
| good | delightful, enjoyable, great, likeable, pleasant, nice |
| grand | glorious, imposing, magnificent, impressive, splendid, majestic |
| great | striking, remarkable, impressive, tremendous, dramatic |
| grim | severe, sombre, formidable, serious, sullen |
| hard-hitting | uncompromising, blunt, direct, forthright, frank, honest |
| heartwarming | gratifying, fulfilling, rewarding, cheery, uplifting, stirring, joyous |
| heavy | weighty, ponderous, hefty, burdensome, substantial, dense |
| hilarious | humourous, funny, amusing, farcical, entertaining, uproarious |
| historical | factual, literal, authentic, verifiable, archival, documented |
| hollow | shallow, empty, meaningless, futile, fruitless, pointless |
| humble | modest, unassuming, unpretentious, demure, discreet, reserved |
| humourous | comical, funny, witty, amusing, entertaining, jocular |
| immaculate | flawless, perfect, impeccable, excellent, faultless, sublime |
| immersive | alluring, mesmerising, entrancing, enchanting, riveting, captivating |
| important | vital, imperative, invaluable, pressing, necessary, significant |
| impressive | striking, dramatic, monumental, arresting, stunning, breathtaking |
| incredible | astonishing, amazing, stunning, prodigious, spectacular, awe-inspiring |
| inferior | substandard, second-rate, unsatisfactory, average, base, mediocre |
| ingenious | creative, inventive, innovative, original, imaginative, inspiring |
| intelligent | clever, smart, sharp, acute, astute, discerning |
| intense | passionate, fervent, burning, animated, energetic, spirited |
| intolerable | unbearable, painful, excruciating, excessive, extreme |
| irrelevant | insignificant, trivial, unimportant, immaterial, superficial |
| irresistible | charming, seductive, gorgeous, adorable, captivating, enchanting |
| jolly | cheerful, merry, jovial, bright, upbeat, effervescent, gleeful |
| joyous | elated, glad, blissful, happy, merry, euphoric, carefree |
| lacklustre | sombre, drab, dull, dreary, faded, restrained, characterless, dim |
| lame | unconvincing, flimsy, poor, wretched, unacceptable, weak, thin |
| larger-than-life | overstated, exaggerated, flamboyant, over-the-top, overdone, inflated |
| lavish | luxurious, opulent, plush, extravagant, splendid, elaborate |
| lighthearted | carefree, relaxed, flippant, frivolous, easy-going, casual, nonchalant |
| likeable | pleasant, agreeable, attractive, affable, engaging, presentable |
| listless | spiritless, passive, limp, lukewarm, idle, languishing, lifeless |
| lively | animated, spirited, sparkling, bubbly, bouncing, energetic |
| lovely | delightful, marvellous, pleasant, splendid, magical, enjoyable |
| magnetic | attractive, alluring, charming, enchanting, entrancing, appealing |
| magical | enchanting, charming, captivating, spellbinding, alluring irresistible |
| majestic | magnificent, monumental, grand, striking, superb, awesome |
| manic | feverish, frenetic, hectic, intense, wild, frenzied |
| marvellous | brilliant, terrific, fabulous, super, sublime, fantastic |
| masterful | skilled, consummate, authoritative, world-class, fine, supreme |
| mediocre | ordinary, average, passable, fair, lacklustre, adequate, vanilla |
| memorable | unforgettable, historic, celebrated, notable, important |
| mesmerising | enthralling, entrancing, alluring, charming, gripping, absorbing |
| mild-mannered | easy-going, composed, amenable, poised, chilled |
| miserable | lousy, rubbish, bad, inferior, junk, common, second-rate |
| modest | unassuming, humble, reserved, low-key, down-to-earth |
| moving | touching, poignant, emotional, inspiring, heartrending |
| musical | lyrical, melodic, harmonious, pleasing, smooth |
| nauseating | distasteful, repellant, sickening, obnoxious, repulsive |
| noteworthy | prominent, significant, important, mentionable, meaningful |
| obscure | mysterious, esoteric, enigmatic, deep, subtle, clouded |
| off-putting | distasteful, offensive, repellant, unpleasant, obnoxious, disagreeable |
| offensive | revolting, disgusting, unpleasant, distasteful, obnoxious |
| optimistic | positive, encouraging, favourable, constructive |
| outstanding | exceptional, superb, first-class, fabulous, tremendous, formidable |
| overpowering | intolerable, overwhelming, unbearable, excruciating |
| painful | horrendous, awful, bad, terrible, horrific, horrendous |
| pathetic | deplorable, pitiful, inadequate, wretched, poor |
| pedestrian | tedious, plodding, uninteresting, monotonous, humdrum, ordinary |
| perfect | immaculate, flawless, seamless, tip-top, faultless, mint |
| persuasive | compelling, plausible, potent, believable, powerful |
| pessimistic | hopeless, melancholy, despairing, bleak, glum, fatalistic |
| pitiful | deplorable, wretched, dreadful, terrible, appalling, pathetic |
| plausible | credible, probable, believable, persuasive, convincing, feasible |
| pleasant | delightful, charming, enjoyable, entertaining, convivial, refreshing |
| pointless | meaningless, senseless, futile, useless, aimless, inane, absurd |
| polished | accomplished, masterful, talented, consummate, skilful |
| poor | awful, terrible, inferior, substandard, abysmal, trashy |
| potent | powerful, influential, mighty, important, significant, formidable |
| powerful | imposing, authoritative, imposing, prominent, superior |
| practical | sensible, realistic, functional, suitable, constructive |
| presentable | passable, smart, fair, acceptable, reasonable, proper |
| pretentious | pompous, showy, extravagant, flashy, flamboyant |
| pretty | attractive, appealing, graceful, delightful, charming, sweet |
| professional | accomplished, experienced, skilful, masterly, seasoned |
| profound | heartfelt, sincere, genuine, frank, unaffected, candid |
| questionable | disappointing, inferior, substandard, deficient, mediocre, subpar |
| radiant | glowing, joyful, cheerful, beaming, bright, jubilant |
| rank | faulty, flawed, bad, botched, tainted, lame |
| ravishing | beautiful, striking, enticing, gorgeous, adorable, enchanting |
| refined | sophisticated, polished, perfect, complete, masterly, impressive |
| refreshing | delightful, enjoyable, heavenly, entertaining, delectable |
| regretful | dissatisfied, disgruntled, disappointed, resentful |
| relevant | current, contemporary, novel, pertinent, fitting |
| remarkable | extraordinary, exceptional, incredible, astonishing, amazing |
| repulsive | distasteful, obnoxious, sickening, displeasing, revolting |
| revolting | disgusting, sickening, repellant, gross, horrendous, repugnant |
| rotten | awful, poor, lousy, diabolical, appalling, terrible, dreadful |
| satisfactory | adequate, acceptable, sufficient, decent, passable |
| satisfying | pleasant, delightful, enjoyable, gratifying, rewarding, refreshing |
| seamless | flawless, impeccable, faultless, perfect, immaculate |
| second-rate | inferior, terrible, substandard, tacky, appalling, mediocre |
| self-indulgent | extravagant, lavish, egotistical, narcissistic, self-important |
| serious | solemn, intense, sombre, sullen, composed, staid |
| shabby | mediocre, inferior, bad, poor, shoddy, substandard, lousy |
| sharp | clear-cut, marked, manifest, defined, focussed |
| shocking | dreadful, appalling, ghastly, disgraceful, hideous |
| skilful | accomplished, masterful, versed, competent, adept |
| slow-paced | ponderous, slothful, plodding, lethargic, measured |
| sluggish | slow, lethargic, listless, languid, heavy, slumberous |
| snappy | stylish, smart, chic, hip, cool, elegant, snazzy, spiffy |
| solid | strong, steadfast, unfaltering, settled, bulletproof, dependable |
| sombre | dismal, bleak, dreary, depressing, grim, gloomy |
| sophisticated | ingenious, imaginative, original, sensational, marvellous |
| spectacular | breathtaking, outstanding, amazing, dazzling, beautiful |
| spirited | sprightly, active, lively, energetic, passionate, dynamic |
| standout | stellar, fantastic, unequalled, extraordinary, premier |
| striking | staggering, phenomenal, memorable, rare, amazing, astounding |
| stunning | ravishing, striking, wonderful, smashing, knockout, astonishing |
| sublime | glorious, resplendent, majestic, magnificent, imposing, supreme |
| substandard | inferior, inadequate, lousy, disappointing, rotten |
| successful | triumphant, accomplished, noteworthy, outstanding, conquering |
| superb | fine, splendid, fabulous, exceptional, wonderful, quality, exquisite |
| superior | unrivalled, supreme, finer, exceptional, stellar, choice, grand |
| suspenseful | gripping, tense, cliffhanging, thrilling, startling |
| sweet | agreeable, pleasant, delightful, gratifying, lovely, beautiful |
| tasteful | elegant, refined, stylish, graceful, exquisite, fine |
| telling | powerful, striking, potent, significant |
| terrific | superb, stupendous, brilliant, marvellous, excellent |
| tremendous | splendid, sublime, stellar, terrific, delightful, fabulous, smashing |
| trite | ordinary, pedestrian, humdrum, banal, unremarkable, dreary |
| triumphant | splendourous, beautiful, dazzling, elevated, distinguished |
| trivial | insignificant, inconsequential, minor, paltry, unimportant |
| unsuccessful | ineffective, worthless, failed, useless, disastrous |
| valuable | quality, worthy, excellent, impressive, fantastic |
| well-constructed | straightforward, comprehensible, lucid, clear, articulate, coherent |
| well-rounded | balanced, proportional, broad, varied, harmonious |
| wholesome | virtuous, righteous, decent, upright, clean, respectable |
| wicked | dazzling, outstanding, impressive, noteworthy, splendid, masterly |
| woeful | terrible, dreadful, awful, pathetic, wretched, appalling |
| wonderful | glorious, blissful, charming, divine, heavenly, magical |
| worthless | useless, futile, pointless, ineffective, senseless |
| worthwhile | useful, valuable, effective, rewarding, positive |
All of these words were well thought out! Helped me on my E1 assignment!
This helped me way 2 much like keep the hard work . I entered a competition and this will probably make me win . I’ll give feedback if I win from this amazing vocabulary chart !.
Awesome, Laila! I’m glad the list of words helped. Good luck in the competition! – Justin
This is a great help good work.
Thanks for the feedback Destiney! – Justin