1
as in heated
being in a state of increased activity or agitation
became overwrought when she heard that her child was missing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ornate
elaborately and often excessively decorated
the author's prose is overwrought with purple passages and florid metaphors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of overwrought
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
Yet in this production, a couple of these choices seem overwrought, especially since this ensemble of actors is more than equipped to convey the concepts of Williams’ work.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, was removed from the hospital by security the previous night after becoming irate and emotionally overwrought following a diagnosis that there was no other treatment available for his wife, the official said.
—John Miller, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025
For some readers, such accolades read as insincere or overwrought.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwrought
Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025
Yet in this production, a couple of these choices seem overwrought, especially since this ensemble of actors is more than equipped to convey the concepts of Williams’ work.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, was removed from the hospital by security the previous night after becoming irate and emotionally overwrought following a diagnosis that there was no other treatment available for his wife, the official said.
—John Miller, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025
For some readers, such accolades read as insincere or overwrought.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwrought
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwrought
Adjective
-
Games sometimes get competitive and heated, so a flimsy table is likely to break down or collapse.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Despite the heated back-and-forth, the trial date for the divorce proceedings is set for June.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Upon its arrival at your table, a server will present for inspection an ornate silver dagger, pull it with a flourish from its curved sheath, and proceed to saw off the head of the Mother at approximately her Tropic of Cancer.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Its once-rich timber and cotton shipping industries gave the town a big boom during the mid 19th century, and the resulting ornate Victorian homes and grand architecture are stunning vestiges of that time.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
His new kick-change has been a nice weapon against lefties and Taillon is excited about the pitch.—
Sahadev Sharma,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Kolache fans headed to Florida's Gulf Coast shouldn't get too excited yet, though.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Matilda Hotel Matilda In a town revered for its colonial charm and baroque splendor, Hotel Matilda dares to be different.—
Michaela Trimble,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Get rid of the sort of florid, baroque way of the writing, which took a year or so.—
Seth Abramovitch,
The Hollywood Reporter,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In his words Burden was hoping to be a first-round pick and grew agitated when he was still not selected by the conclusion of Thursday night’s proceedings.—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2025
-
At one point, Scott, who is sweating profusely, appears agitated and uneasy as five officers stand near him telling him to either enter the ambulance or he will be detained by police.—
Tesfaye Negussie,
ABC News,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Here are the four most extravagant moments of Kravitz's Paris home that took our breath away.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Elopement plans are upended, however, when Min’s grandmother surprises them with an extravagant Korean wedding banquet.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwrought.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwrought. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share