overplay

verb over·play \ ˌō-vər-ˈplā \

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

Definition of overplay

transitive verb

1 a : to present (a dramatic role) extravagantly : exaggerate

b : to place too much emphasis on

2 : to rely too much on the strength of —usually used in the phrase overplay one's hand

3 : to strike a golf ball beyond (a putting green)

intransitive verb

: to exaggerate a part or effect

See overplay defined for English-language learners

See overplay defined for kids

Examples of overplay in a Sentence

The network news overplayed the story just to get good ratings.
He overplayed the death scene.

Recent Examples of overplay from the Web

With the idea of full integration, these secondary themes can seem a bit overplayed at times, as the specific song can be played a dozen or so times throughout a broadcast, during highlight reels, commercial breaks, and more.

— steven edelstone, Billboard, "I Need Something Just Like This: How March Madness Theme Songs are Chosen," 30 Mar. 2018
In theory, this is negative for banks, but this concern shouldn’t be overplayed.

— aaron back, WSJ, "Why Investors Are Too Negative on Banks," 29 Mar. 2018
General manager Marty Hurney believes the Norv-Cam dynamic has been a bit overplayed this offseason.

— joseph person, charlotteobserver, "Cam Newton nervous, Ron Rivera says, about relationship that will shape Panthers offense | Charlotte Observer," 1 Mar. 2018
Elizabeth Olds didn’t overplay the Nurse; Mamuka Kikalishvili was reserved but comforting as Friar Laurence.

— jeffrey gantz, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston Ballet elevates Cranko’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’," 16 Mar. 2018
In this show, some of them work well — there is a lot of talent in the very ample ensemble — but a few feel overplayed.

— chris jones, chicagotribune.com, "'Merrily We Roll Along' is Sondheim's wisdom on life pushing us forward," 31 Jan. 2018
This development is happening because Americans are recognizing that Democrats overplayed their hand on tax reform.

— james hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Improving poll numbers give Republicans hope that the midterms might not be so bad," 8 Feb. 2018
Guest conductors at Orchestra Hall now are firmly part of a structure that preserves through polished repetition pretty much the same 100 pieces that were overplayed five music directors ago.

— alan artner, chicagotribune.com, "Pianist David Fray rises above the CSO's dose of more of the same," 23 Feb. 2018
The question is where the line falls between playing up one’s experience and overplaying it.

— emily cadei, sacbee, "This Tom McClintock rival is stretching the truth about her résumé, investigation finds," 20 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overplay.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of overplay

1767

OVERPLAY Defined for English Language Learners

overplay

verb

Definition of overplay for English Language Learners

: to give too much attention to (something) : to make (something) seem more important than it really is
: to show too much emotion when acting in a play, movie, etc.