over the top

1 of 2

phrase

: beyond the bounds of what is expected, usual, normal, or appropriate
: extremely or excessively flamboyant or outrageous
an over-the-top performance

Examples of over the top in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Its not-so-secret weapon is Kikuchi herself, who grounds the tale’s most over-the-top moments in a lovely, earnest warmth. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026 Inspired by the Southern favorite MoonPie, this over-the-top dessert features a graham cracker crust, creamy chocolate filling, and a touch of whiskey. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026 The president’s vehement reaction and over-the-top attacks left some Republican senators dumbfounded. Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026 The servers are over-the-top attentive. Usa Today Network, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for over the top

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of over the top was in 1980

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Over the top.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/over%20the%20top. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

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