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

Chalfant is the center around which all of these other performances — equally sensitive and never too overwrought — revolve. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2024

But the star is Bening, who has the overworked, overwrought and underappreciated Joy down pat from her first appearance. —Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024

The comically overwrought opening sees Bang’s hero ready his crossbow against his child (Tobias Jowett), surrounded by a vicious army and aghast townspeople. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 11 Sep. 2024

The debate over the exact character of the landing of the economy as the Fed has kept steady pressure on the brake for 14 months might seem overwrought, as some Wall Street story lines become. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

past participle of overwork

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

overwrought

adjective

over·​wrought ˌō-və(r)-ˈrȯt 

1

: extremely excited : agitated

overwrought feelings

2

: decorated too much : overdone