exaggeration

noun

ig-ˌza-jə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exaggeration (audio)
Definition of exaggerationnext
as in caricature
the representation of something in terms that go beyond the facts their exaggeration was such that a rainstorm became a hurricane

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 exaggeration Advertisement Parton turned exaggeration into authorship through repetition and scale. — Debbie Millman, Time, 25 July 2026 For perspective, listen to Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who is not exactly excitable or prone to exaggeration. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 24 July 2026 That may sound like an exaggeration, but higher education will almost certainly have to become more remedial. — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 That may be a TV exaggeration, but tornadoes and other dangerous storms do hit the city regularly. — ABC News, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exaggeration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggeration
  1. caricature
  2. hyperbole
  3. stretching
  4. enhancement
  5. overstatement
  6. coloring
Noun
  • At the same time, neither Marija nor Vytas is ever reduced to a caricature.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
  • She’s given a worthy avatar in Mason, who brings an appropriately surreal understanding to the goings-on in Effie’s life, but never turns Effie into a caricature.
    — Charles Lewis III, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of caricature
Noun
  • His is one of the few publications where the tagline – The Book Experts Cannot Do Without – isn’t hyperbole.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • His seminal memoir, Kitchen Confidential, which rocketed him to fame at 44, is, by his own admission, peppered with myth and hyperbole.
    — Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of hyperbole
Noun
  • Haunted Mansion props on the parade floats will include the conservatory casket, cryptic gravestones, gargoyle candleholders, watchful busts, haunted armor and stretching room portraits.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Regular movement, stretching, and strengthening exercises can help maintain joint mobility.
    — RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan, HEALTH, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of stretching
Noun
  • The game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, with PS5 Pro enhancements and Xbox Play Anywhere.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The researchers will need to determine how broadly the effect works and whether stronger enhancement can be achieved with different materials or cavity designs.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of enhancement
Noun
  • But the reality is that cases are climbing into the thousands across 45 states, as USA Today reports, meaning his reassurances appear to have been a gross overstatement.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 30 July 2026
  • This packed a certain richness, given how Walz’s military record—or his overstatement of it—created its own recurring migraine for Harris.
    — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
Definition of overstatement
Noun
  • As mentioned above, this coloring is an indicator of ripeness and when to harvest tomatoes.
    — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The pair are seen enjoying a day at the beach, creating a homemade art project and coloring by a pool.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of coloring

Browse Nearby Words

exaggerating
exaggeration
exaggerations
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exaggeration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggeration. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of devolve

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

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

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

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All