overdramatize
verb
over·dra·ma·tize
ˌō-vər-ˈdra-mə-ˌtīz 
-ˈdrä-
overdramatized; overdramatizing
: 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
Chris WellesThe stories, he says, sensationalize or overdramatize the family's troubles …—James Laube
James Laube
overdramatization
ˌō-vər-ˌdra-mə-tə-ˈzā-shən
noun
-ˌdrä-
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
Laurie Gelman
Examples of overdramatize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Topics get twisted and overdramatized so fast that the discussion of the original issues and concerns goes right off the rails.
—Lori Nickel, Journal Sentinel, 2 June 2023
Produced by Howard Hall Productions and Oceanic Research Group, the film was also created by couple, co-director Howard and producer Michele Hall, to show an accurate depiction of the ocean that doesn’t overdramatize predation.
—Maddie Browning, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Feb. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lori Nickel, Journal Sentinel, 2 June 2023
Produced by Howard Hall Productions and Oceanic Research Group, the film was also created by couple, co-director Howard and producer Michele Hall, to show an accurate depiction of the ocean that doesn’t overdramatize predation.
—Maddie Browning, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Overdramatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdramatize. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share