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
Both seasons were painfully funny (often just painful), but the humor sometimes got lost as time has proven even its most over-the-top bits eerily correct. Jennifer Silverman, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2026 An over-the-top hazing event involving members of a high school baseball team is under investigation in southeastern North Carolina, according to deputies. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026 As the smoke and acrid odor from Netflix’s over-the-top pregame production cleared, two figures emerged from the haze to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2026 baseball season. Sports Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026 These movies are over-the-top violent, but most people don’t really want to see someone get hit in the face in real life. Marah Eakin, Vulture, 24 Mar. 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 31 Mar. 2026.

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