over·dra·ma·tize | \ ˌō-vər-ˈdra-mə-ˌtīz 
, -ˈdrä- \
, -ˈdrä- \overdramatized; overdramatizing
Definition of overdramatize
: to present or represent (something) in an overly dramatic manner
Don't overdramatize the situation. an overdramatized account The seriousness of this problem … has been vastly overrated and overdramatized.— Chris Welles The stories, he says, sensationalize or overdramatize the family's troubles …— James Laube
Other Words from overdramatize
overdramatization \ ˌō-vər-ˌdra-mə-tə-ˈzā-shən , -ˌdrä- \ noun, plural overdramatizations
, -ˌdrä- \ noun, plural overdramatizations
As a child, I found Anne's plights and scrapes so worrisome, but as an adult I laugh out loud at her overdramatization of everything. — Laurie Gelman
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on overdramatize
What made you want to look up overdramatize? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quiz - Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question ...
Take the quiz - Word Winder's CrossWinder Play the game
Share overdramatize
Time Traveler for overdramatize
The first known use of overdramatize was in 1896
See more words from the same year