over the top

1 of 2

phrase

: beyond the bounds of what is expected, usual, normal, or appropriate

over-the-top

2 of 2

adjective

ˌō-vər-ṯẖə-ˈtäp 

: extremely or excessively flamboyant or outrageous

an over-the-top performance

Examples of over the top in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

At the end of the first quarter of last Friday’s preseason opener at the Washington Commanders, quarterback Sam Hartman airmailed a downfield throw and Wilson was over the top to intercept it. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

Brush more date molasses over the top of the banana bread and bake for 5 minutes more. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Outer Banks’ success has always rested on an emotional depth that distracts from nonsense plot points and over-the-top escapades. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026

Mel might be a disaster with her loud mouth and impolite antics, but her over-the-top meddling does her buddies some good. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1980, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for over the top

• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• desktop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop