overwrought

adjective

over·​wrought ˌō-vər-ˈrȯt 

ˌō-və-

1

: extremely excited : agitated

2

: elaborated to excess : overdone

Synonyms

• agitated
• excited
• feverish
• frenzied
• heated
• hectic
• hyperactive
• overactive

Examples of overwrought in a Sentence

The witness became overwrought as she described the crime.

became overwrought when she heard that her child was missing

Recent Examples on the Web

His summation of the lid as synonymous with overwrought, hyperpolitical freestyle rap is … well, perfect. —Graham Techler, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025

But this dull game was complemented by a pregame show in which the U.S. president spoke of annexing Canada, a halftime show that needed a Gen Z translator and a batch of overwrought corporate commercials preaching religion, patriotism and the NFL. —Paul Sullivan, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025

Other elements felt more cohesive, if slightly overwrought. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025

In a music doc landscape pocked with overwrought hagiographies, The Makings of Curtis Mayfield does distinguish itself. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

past participle of overwork

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overwrought

• aeronaut
• aforethought
• afterthought
• apricot
• argonaut
• astronaut
• camelot
• coffeepot
• concordat
• cosmonaut
• entrepot
• flowerpot

Kids Definition

overwrought

adjective

over·​wrought ˌō-və(r)-ˈrȯt 

1

: extremely excited : agitated

overwrought feelings

2

: decorated too much : overdone