Synonyms of exaggerate

exaggerate

verb

ig-ˈza-jə-ˌrāt 

1

as in to enhance

to add to the interest of by including made-up details

the American colonist John Smith is believed by many historians to have exaggerated his adventures

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enhance
• pad
• hyperbolize
• color
• embellish
• expand
• magnify
• embroider
• stretch
• elaborate (on)
• emphasize
• satirize
• amplify
• overstate
• overemphasize
• overdo
• enlarge (on or upon)
• stress
• flesh (out)
• overdraw
• overplay
• hedge
• caricature
• play up
• fudge
• dress up
• gussy up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minimize
• understate
• belittle
• play down

2

as in to overstate

to describe or express in too strong terms

it would be impossible to exaggerate the importance of this entrance exam

Synonyms & Similar Words

• overstate
• overdo
• pad
• stretch
• overdraw
• elaborate
• put on
• embellish
• embroider
• overemphasize
• magnify
• color
• play up
• sensationalize
• overplay
• hedge
• fudge
• melodramatize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• understate
• minimize
• belittle
• play down

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of exaggerate

Kennedy has also sought to personally reform the agency’s vaccine policy, firing all 17 of its vaccine advisers and replacing them with his own picks, many of whom have questioned the benefit of vaccines while exaggerating their harms. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Ng argued that powerful companies have exaggerated those threats to restrict open models and limit competition. — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

This year’s Tour de France Femmes has been rocked by allegations that some riders are artificially exaggerating their bust size to gain an aerodynamic advantage. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 4 Aug. 2026

The president exaggerated the nation’s manufacturing rebound under his watch and, once more, mocked the affordability crisis that polls suggest is top of mind for many voters. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026