hyperbolic

1 of 2

adjective (1)

hy·​per·​bol·​ic ˌhī-pər-ˈbä-lik 

variants or less commonly hyperbolical

ˌhī-pər-ˈbä-li-kəl 

: of, relating to, or marked by language that exaggerates or overstates the truth : of, relating to, or marked by hyperbole

hyperbolic claims

hyperbolically

ˌhī-pər-ˈbä-li-k(ə-)lē 

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

Adjective

The use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials is controversial, with critics saying the practice chills creative expression and allows prosecutors to distort hyperbolic art in ways that reinforce racist stereotypes. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 Aug. 2026

But hyperbolic spaces offer mathematicians a simple chaotic system to explore. — Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026

Most of the players immediately adopt exaggerated foppish courtier characters, complete with hoity-toity accents and hyperbolic graciousness. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026

Unlike those who hurl hyperbolic rhetoric from the right and the left, the DSAs pose an actual threat to democracy. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

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

Phrases Containing hyperbolic

• hyperbolic function
• hyperbolic paraboloid

Rhymes for hyperbolic

• alcoholic
• anabolic
• apostolic
• catabolic
• cytosolic
• diabolic
• diastolic
• ethanolic
• melancholic
• metabolic
• methanolic
• parabolic