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
Among his work was co-creating shows such as Righteous Gemstones, Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals, all for HBO and with strong, over-the-top comedic bents. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026 One of the show's staples was its over-the-top creative direction, which has been widely criticized over time. Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026 The season will be defined by bold beading, over-the-top embellishment, and loud color-blocking; any of the picks below fit the vibe perfectly. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 25 Feb. 2026 Uley's is a great choice for a hearty, on-mountain lunch with a higher-end indoor menu and a more casual outdoor menu (both feature great drinks, including an over-the-top s'mores hot cocoa). Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 23 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 7 Mar. 2026.

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