overwrought

adjective

over·​wrought ˌō-vər-ˈrȯt 

ˌō-və-

1

: extremely excited : agitated

2

: elaborated to excess : overdone

Synonyms of overwrought

• heated
• excited
• agitated

Examples of overwrought in a Sentence

The witness became overwrought as she described the crime.

became overwrought when she heard that her child was missing

Recent Examples on the Web

What could have easily made for an overwrought and even tragic read, however, is presented with a surprisingly light touch. —Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 15 May 2026

Fears of a Democratic shutout in June’s top-two primary and a fluky Republican being elected — which were always overwrought — have faded dramatically. —Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026

Their earliest and biggest target has been Dax, a 32-year-old janitor-turned-rapper from Canada who spits overwrought motivational lyrics over rudimentary beats. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026

And rather than looking constricted in overwrought ensembles, the actors appeared comfortable in their own skin. —Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

past participle of overwork

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overwrought

• aeronaut
• aforethought
• afterthought
• apricot
• argonaut
• astronaut
• camelot
• coffeepot
• concordat
• cosmonaut
• entrepot
• flowerpot

Kids Definition

overwrought

adjective

over·​wrought ˌō-və(r)-ˈrȯt 

1

: extremely excited : agitated

overwrought feelings

2

: decorated too much : overdone