EXAGGERATED Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

exaggerated 1 of 2

adjective

ig-ˈza-jə-ˌrā-təd

Definition of exaggerated

as in inflated

extended beyond normal or realistic bounds loves the exaggerated emotions that are part and parcel of grand opera

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exaggerated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of exaggerate

as in padded

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in overstated

to describe or express in too strong terms it would be impossible to exaggerate the importance of this entrance exam

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 exaggerated

Adjective

The cinematography captures the lush expanse of the desert and bathes the characters in dark blues while never leaving the frame murky, and the use of steadicam and exaggerated zoom-ins plants the film’s feet more firmly in its ’80s inspirations. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2026 The brothers’ defense lawyers countered that the UK allegations are years old, have not resulted in convictions, and their claims to be wealthy were exaggerated to promote online businesses and to generate attention. — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

Because of reports of runners collapsing post-race that footage later proved to be exaggerated. — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The real Tyrone might not have understood why Bourdain exaggerated the story, but Johnson seems to. — Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exaggerated

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerated

Adjective

The visually inflated size of certain landmasses such as Greenland on the Mercator map may even have geopolitical implications.

— Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026
Mundubile has alleged irregularities and election observers have also reported inflated vote tallies and improper administration.

— Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of inflated

Verb

Becerra argued the claims were overstated and said his agency had narrow oversight over the children.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026
The documentary asserts Musk has vastly overstated the capacities of Tesla vehicles, dazzling 60 Minutes’ Lesley Stahl and other journalists with displays of his electric cars proceeding under their own guidance, while hiding a frightening reality.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of overstated

Verb

Today, Jepsen’s hair — currently copper colored — hangs in waves down her back.

— Katie Heaney, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2026
The attack on Sais, a Sacramento City Hall employee and liaison to City Councilmember Eric Guerra, colored an otherwise joyous and defiant Rainbow Festival this weekend in the midtown neighborhood.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of colored

Verb

While the main festival was in Grant Park, entry locations for riders stretched all the way to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry on the South Side.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
But as hours stretched into days with no word from them, his hope turned to sorrow.

— Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of stretched

Verb

The format translates to an energized intimacy, enhanced by months of workshopping the story together with the one professional actor, Reem Amer, seamlessly inserted in the family bosom.

— Jay Weissberg, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026
The new red zone will see local police presence enhanced around the clock alongside a military presence.

— Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of enhanced

Verb

Authorities cited the department’s General Order 25, which addresses rules of conduct, but has not elaborated, WSOC reported.

— Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Parton elaborated on her acrylic nail playing in an episode of Apple Fitness+ Time to Walk experience in 2021, sharing that her nails are actually credited on the 9 to 5 soundtrack.

— Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of elaborated

Verb

Fani, a Brentwood artist, considers her collection an extension of her art and has embellished some with Swarovski crystals.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
However, some of the scenes are known to have been staged or faked, leading some critics to wonder whether other parts of the film were bogus or embellished.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of embellished

Browse Nearby Words

exaggerate

exaggerated

exaggerates

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Exaggerated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerated. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of exaggerated

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

patina

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes