hyperbolic

1 of 2

adjective (1)

hy·​per·​bol·​ic ˌhī-pər-ˈbä-lik How to pronounce hyperbolic (audio)
variants or less commonly hyperbolical
: of, relating to, or marked by language that exaggerates or overstates the truth : of, relating to, or marked by hyperbole
hyperbolic claims
hyperbolically adverb

hyperbolic

2 of 2

adjective (2)

1
geometry : of, relating to, or being like a curve that is formed by the intersection of a double right circular cone with a plane that cuts both halves of the cone : of, relating to, or being analogous to a hyperbola
2
: of, relating to, or being a space in which more than one line parallel to a given line passes through a point
hyperbolic geometry

Examples of hyperbolic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
The two competing camps both made hyperbolic claims that their technology would soon deliver computers that equalled or exceeded human intelligence. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025 But the risks that have been pushed about vaccines are just so hyperbolic compared with the benefits of vaccinating. Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The metaphor may sound hyperbolic, but the agenda is real. Greg Easley, Air Mail, 16 Aug. 2025 Year: 2000 Runtime: 2h 15m Incisive social critique or tone-deaf, hyperbolic satire? Tim Grierson, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hyperbolic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

see hyperbole

Adjective (2)

see hyperbole

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1676, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperbolic was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hyperbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperbolic. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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