overemphasize

verb

over·​em·​pha·​size ˌō-vər-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

overemphasized; overemphasizing

transitive verb

: to give excessive emphasis to (something)

overemphasize risks

We have overemphasized the differences between men and women.

—Zosia Bielski

… people feeling pushed into starting businesses … in a culture that overemphasizes entrepreneurialism.

—Derrick Penner

I can't overemphasize the importance of this turning point in my life.

—Genesse Gentry

We … cannot overemphasize how important it is to keep up with latest security fixes …

—Rene Gielen

The value of a good reputation cannot be overemphasized.

—J. Dwight Pentecost

It's hard to overemphasize how significant this development will be …

—Rich Smith

Examples of overemphasize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

That distinction matters because modern entrepreneurship discussions often overemphasize innovation while underestimating execution, timing, leadership, strategy, competitive positioning, and entrepreneurial control. — Dileep Rao, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

But most teams no longer overemphasize basic data like height or standing reach. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overemphasize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise