hyperbolic

1 of 2

adjective (1)

hy·​per·​bol·​ic ˌhī-pər-ˈbä-lik How to pronounce hyperbolic (audio)
variants or less commonly hyperbolical
ˌhī-pər-ˈbä-li-kəl How to pronounce hyperbolic (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by language that exaggerates or overstates the truth : of, relating to, or marked by hyperbole
hyperbolic claims
hyperbolically
ˌhī-pər-ˈbä-li-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce hyperbolic (audio)
adverb

hyperbolic

2 of 2

adjective (2)

1
geometry : of, relating to, or being like a curve that is formed by the intersection of a double right circular cone with a plane that cuts both halves of the cone : of, relating to, or being analogous to a hyperbola
2
: of, relating to, or being a space in which more than one line parallel to a given line passes through a point
hyperbolic geometry

Examples of hyperbolic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
That may have been slightly hyperbolic, but not by much. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026 So, while certain claims about the recent test appear to be hyperbolic, this is genuinely an impressive technical achievement for the team behind it. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026 That’s surely hyperbolic (Madame Web, for starters, was Showgirls-level mockable). — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2026 The two books share a racing, hyperbolic approach to interiority. — Hannah Gold, New Yorker, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hyperbolic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

see hyperbole

Adjective (2)

see hyperbole

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1676, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperbolic was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing hyperbolic

Rhymes for hyperbolic

See All Rhymes for hyperbolic

Browse Nearby Words

hyperbole
hyperbolic
hyperbolic cosecant
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Cite this Entry

“Hyperbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperbolic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hyperbolic

Nglish: Translation of hyperbolic for Spanish Speakers

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