OVEREMPHASIZE Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

overemphasize

verb

Definition of overemphasize

as in to exaggerate

to treat (something) with more importance than is needed or proper The teacher tends to overemphasize the value of tests. The importance of a healthy diet cannot be overemphasized.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 overemphasize But whereas weaker seasons have relied on this feeding loop to the point of exhaustion, overemphasizing one side or the other, this time, new challenges keep emerging, giving personality quirks new angles through which to be reflected. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2026 Mishiali’s filmmaking does not overemphasize the brutality of this situation. — Elena Lazic, Variety, 15 July 2026 The honesty and objectivity of Stars and Stripes can’t be overemphasized. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 13 July 2026 The old name overemphasized the role of the ovary in this condition and did not describe how PMOS can affect many body systems. — Melanie Cree, The Conversation, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for overemphasize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize

Verb

But to imply that a world-class athlete is exaggerating an injury to preserve his reputation is a staggering lapse in judgment.

— Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly framed settler violence in the West Bank as the work of a few dozen fringe youths and said its scale has been exaggerated.

— Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of exaggerate

Verb

Both local governments filed their briefs to the Supreme Court this week, emphasizing their arguments that the bans are lawful because the AR-15 and similar weapons are not ordinary firearms.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 23 Oct. 2026
Officials emphasized that machines are tested before each election and that in most jurisdictions, there is a postelection audit that consists of a manual hand count of a sample of paper ballots.

— Ali Swenson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of emphasize

Verb

The gap between those predictions and the reality on the ground suggests many observers have overstated the likelihood of war.

— Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Mamut and Grönberg were persuaded by Paul Best, a new arrival at Elliott, who believed that the eclipse of brick-and-mortar retail by online commerce had been overstated, and that certain chains could flourish if well capitalized.

— Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of overstate

Verb

Don’t get too warm, though Although staying warm is essential — things like fingers don’t work as efficiently when chilled — don’t overdo it.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
One of her concerns is layering products, which can easily lead to overdoing it on the actives.

— Korin Miller, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of overdo

Browse Nearby Words

overemotional

overemphasize

overemphasized

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of overemphasize

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes