over-the-top

adjective

Definition of over-the-topnext
as in excessive
going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount The writing was great, but some of the acting was over-the-top.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of over-the-top Beyond the elaborate costumes and over-the-top party, Klum is also using the holiday as an opportunity to give back. — Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2026 Spread across seven white stucco Victorian buildings, The Kensington Hotel gets the English townhouse aesthetic just right—traditional, approachable, and elegant, but never over-the-top. — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026 For anyone who loves a good signature drink, this large skull ice mold is a touch spooky without tipping into over-the-top. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 30 Sep. 2026 Related Stories Cruise, declaiming every line, acting with blind bluster and a mean gleam of good-ol’-boy joy, makes Digger a walking cartoon — a larger-than-life satire of over-the-top American arrogance, like LBJ crossed with Foghorn Leghorn. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
  1. excessive
  2. extreme
  3. extravagant
  4. insane
  5. steep
  6. lavish
Adjective
  • According to a one-year analysis of data collected from San Francisco’s 33 camera locations and other traffic-sensing equipment, excessive speeding — more than 10 mph above the speed limit — dropped nearly 80%.
    — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Brought by Koya’s estate and daughter Nathifa Wright, it’s being heard at Sacramento’s United States District Court and seeks damages for 17 claims, including false detention, excessive force and wrongful death.
    — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • Many of these materials are made from oil, which emits pollutants when burned, driving climate change and fueling extreme weather.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The flooding comes after extreme weather hit the Southwest throughout the week.
    — Ava Berger, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • But a new novel by Lucy Foley is setting Poirot aside and blowing the dust off the mild-mannered Marple by whisking her away to an extravagant Swiss Alps adventure.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The ultimate reward isn’t retiring on a beach or buying something extravagant.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of extravagant
Adjective
  • Cohen and Harwood grew up in Maryland, studying Top 40 hits and FL Studio tutorials; in some ways, this fun, formalist record—impeccable songcraft, insane sprezzatura—plays like a tribute to those days.
    — Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Many have told me that Veronica Beard has copied more small brands, this is insane.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • Republican candidates are expected to praise the president, and try to ensure Republicans steep voter registration advantage translates to votes on Election Day November 3.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The hiking area is extremely dangerous and known for steep inclines, loose gravel and falling rocks, according to the Italian Alpine Rescue unit, which told CNN that more than 80 people died in the Dolomites in 2026 so far.
    — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of steep
Adjective
  • Strong reviews should continue to propel the lavish film at the box office, which carries a substantial $100 million price tag.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Kim Kardashian’s parade of 46th birthday outfits continues, and her most recent night-out ensemble might be her most lavish look yet.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of lavish

Browse Nearby Words

over the moon
over-the-top
overthrew
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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