overwrought

adjective

over·​wrought ˌō-vər-ˈrȯt How to pronounce overwrought (audio)
ˌō-və-
Synonyms of overwrought
1
: extremely excited : agitated
2
: elaborated to excess : overdone

Synonyms of overwrought

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Examples of overwrought in a Sentence

The witness became overwrought as she described the crime. became overwrought when she heard that her child was missing
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.
This all plays out with a lot of frequent jarring tonal mismatches, and some bafflingly overwrought dramatic beats, especially around Vision’s makeshift self-repair. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026 While there is a deep respect for heritage that runs through their properties, the connection isn’t overwrought or explicit. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026 The letter was overearnest, overwrought, and self-serious in a way that only a person on the cusp of proper adulthood could produce. — Robert P. Baird, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2026 Scrap what isn’t working—the overwrought schedule, the good habits gone bad. — Usa Today, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overwrought

Word History

Etymology

past participle of overwork

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overwrought was in 1638

Rhymes for overwrought

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Browse Nearby Words

overwrite
overwrought
overyear
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Cite this Entry

“Overwrought.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overwrought. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overwrought

adjective
over·​wrought ˌō-və(r)-ˈrȯt How to pronounce overwrought (audio)
1
: extremely excited : agitated
overwrought feelings
2
: decorated too much : overdone
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