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

Lift the shallot slices from the pickling liquid and scatter them and the pomegranate seeds over the top. — ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026

But their lead with independents was critical in putting them over the top. — CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Adjective

Celebrities are known for having some over-the-top engagement rings. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Nov. 2026

Parton, who died this August at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, was known for over-the-top outfits and heavy makeup. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 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