exaggerated

adjective

ex·​ag·​ger·​at·​ed ig-ˈza-jə-ˌrā-təd 

1

: excessively or inappropriately heightened, inflated, or overstated

exaggerated fears

a wildly exaggerated story

As students go from one disconnected course to the next, they tend to form a highly exaggerated idea of the differences between teachers and subjects.

—Gerald Graff

2

: enlarged or increased beyond the normal : greater than normal

… many people have an unusual or exaggerated response to a drug, but they are not necessarily allergic to the drug.

—Paul D. Buisseret

exaggeratedly adverb

… my own view of the art of architecture—a view that many people (including many architects) would perhaps consider an exaggeratedly lofty one.

—Brendan Gill

Koenig's movements were brisk, exaggeratedly optimistic.

—Nick Paumgarten

exaggeratedness noun

… we often do not respond to exaggeration by simply pointing out its exaggeratedness …

—Julie Kuhlken

Synonyms of exaggerated

• inflated

Examples of exaggerated in a Sentence

loves the exaggerated emotions that are part and parcel of grand opera

Recent Examples on the Web

The spring 2026 runways were full of exaggerated lash looks, many of which may be a bit too exaggerated for the office or a first date; but, according to Spate Data, interest in how to enhance your lashes at home is at an all-time high. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 6 Dec. 2025

In the film, the brothers play up various exaggerated stereotypes. —Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025

Since the film's release, fan have reacted to the inclusion of Elphaba's cozy outerwear with everything from outright obsession to exaggerated bewilderment. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025

The government has said the death toll was exaggerated. —MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of exaggerate

First Known Use

circa 1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exaggerated

• abbreviated
• accelerated
• accentuated
• accommodated
• acculturated
• accumulated
• acidulated
• adjudicated
• administrated
• adulterated
• affiliated
• agglomerated