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
Filled with twinkling lights, over-the-top décor, and a sprinkle of North Pole chaos, this wonderland, bursting with laughter, cocktails, and festive cheer, is a place to make even Scrooge cheer in delight. Charlotte Observer, 18 Dec. 2025 Grande then waddles out in the over-the-top ensemble, only to be met by Grombol, who breaks the bad news that the Christmas tree is no longer available to view. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2025 West End Girl is raw and over-the-top at times, but that’s part of the point. Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025 Danger arrives in the form of a hilariously over-the-top Sean Penn. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025 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 19 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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