over the top
1 of 2phrase
: 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
Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
Candiace’s confessional and reunion looks always leaned into the opulent, over-the-top glamour synonymous with the Real Housewives.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
These cars are so over-the-top, but still legitimately good-looking.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 19 Feb. 2026
Microdramas are similar to soap operas, focusing on common tropes and over-the-top theatrics.
—Devika Rao, TheWeek, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over the top
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.
Adjective
One by one, barbecue meals are expanding from simple, satisfying lunches into belly-groaning, over-the-top exercises in gluttony.
—Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
Candiace’s confessional and reunion looks always leaned into the opulent, over-the-top glamour synonymous with the Real Housewives.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
These cars are so over-the-top, but still legitimately good-looking.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 19 Feb. 2026
Microdramas are similar to soap operas, focusing on common tropes and over-the-top theatrics.
—Devika Rao, TheWeek, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over the top
Cite this Entry
“Over the top.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/over%20the%20top. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
