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
Most recently, O’Hara is best known for portraying over-the-top actress and matriarch Moira Rose in the hit sitcom Schitt’s Creek opposite Eugene Levy, who played her husband, Johnny Rose, and her on-screen kids Dan Levy (David Rose) and Annie Murphy (Alexis Rose). Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026 O’Hara created a perfectly hilarious monster in Moira, from her absurdly over-the-top wardrobe and wigs to her open disdain for their new life. Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026 For the Bucks, however, the logic of an offseason trade is likely stronger unless a team is willing to make an over-the-top, all-in offer right now. Nick Friedell, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026 Through Oscar’s over-the-top pride and Trudy’s grounding wisdom, kids see different generations in a household connecting and learning life lessons. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 30 Jan. 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 3 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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