overwrought

adjective

over·​wrought ˌō-vər-ˈrȯt How to pronounce overwrought (audio)
ˌō-və-
Synonyms of overwroughtnext
1
: extremely excited : agitated
2
: elaborated to excess : overdone

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
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.
The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026 To a complacent, be-cool-and-get-over-it nineties sensibility, this might have sounded like overwrought posturing. Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026 The situation is so overwrought in this episode. Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026 Sponsors of the Florida legislation said the issues raised by opponents were overwrought. Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overwrought

Word History

Etymology

past participle of overwork

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overwrought was in 1638

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overwrought.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overwrought. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

overwrought

adjective
over·​wrought ˌō-və(r)-ˈrȯt How to pronounce overwrought (audio)
1
: extremely excited : agitated
overwrought feelings
2
: decorated too much : overdone

More from Merriam-Webster on overwrought

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