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
The alt-pop of the past fifteen years has delighted in over-the-top personae and world-building. Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026 But for the true horror hounds who can never have enough over-the-top gore, this one's for you. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026 Despite their over-the-top reputations, their contributions are less about adding a boisterous EDM drop and more about accentuating Toki’s strengths. E.r. Pulgar, Pitchfork, 16 Apr. 2026 The spa Faena's 22,000-square-foot Tierra Santa Healing House is home to all sorts of over-the-top amenities, including one of the largest hammams this side of the Mississippi and a marble Ice Parlor, which uses the power of ice and air to strengthen your immune system. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 2026.

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