exaggerated 1 of 2

adjective

ig-ˈza-jə-ˌrā-təd How to pronounce exaggerated (audio)
Definition of exaggeratednext
as in inflated
extended beyond normal or realistic bounds loves the exaggerated emotions that are part and parcel of grand opera

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exaggerated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of exaggerate
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in overstated
to describe or express in too strong terms it would be impossible to exaggerate the importance of this entrance exam

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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
Typically depicted with exaggerated features and ragged clothing – or no clothing at all – these children were often shown being chased by alligators or other wild animals. — The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026 This Grace Karin blouse offers a fun take on a standard white button-down top, offering an eyelet design and slightly exaggerated sleeves that will garner compliments with each wear. — Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
But on cross-examination, Richards said Colt had exaggerated his mental health symptoms and made things up to try to get a more serious diagnosis. — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 28 July 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 See All Example Sentences for exaggerated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerated
  1. inflated
  2. padded
  3. overstated
  4. colored
  5. stretched
  6. enhanced
  7. elaborated
  8. embellished
Adjective
  • But Puck’s inflated branding has, over time, come to look almost prophetic.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of negotiating discounts off hospitals’ inflated list prices, Montana’s health plan started paying percentages of what Medicare paid for all services.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of inflated
Verb
  • How to carry the load safely Experts recommend choosing a backpack that fits the child and has two broad, padded shoulder straps, a padded back, compartments to distribute weight and a waist or chest strap to redistribute the load.
    — Cheyanne Mumphrey, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • This season’s combination of a sputtering offense and a shaky bullpen – exposed again Sunday as the Brewers padded their lead in the late innings – is already way too stomach-churning for Dodger fans.
    — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of padded
Verb
  • This may be overstated, but Scarlett Johansson, then residing in the country, won a 2014 decision in French court against a French author who, in a novel, depicted a Johansson doppelganger as carrying out multiple affairs.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
  • In the summer doldrums, though the noise and headline remain loud, they’re often overstated.
    — Todd Gordon, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of overstated
Verb
  • They are often colored blue, black, or dark brown on the outside, with interiors made of the shining nacre, or mother-of-pearl, layer.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • If a soaker is in the forecast, go ahead and harvest all nearly ripe tomatoes—the fruit that is two-thirds of the way fully colored.
    — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of colored
Verb
  • The strikes have stretched from the European part of Russia to Yekaterinburg, over 2,000 kilometers (about 1,250 miles) from Ukraine's border.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Caution tape was stretched across the area, and the Chicago Fire Department scuba team was spotted at the scene.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of stretched
Verb
  • At West Ham, Fernandes enhanced his reputation as a player who can not only drive his team forward but also play a key role out of possession, defending on the front foot.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Vuong’s photographs are displayed rather conventionally on the gallery walls, but the viewing experience is enhanced by images of his that have been printed on cloth banners that hang in the center of the space.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of enhanced
Verb
  • Each gets elaborated across several songs, gathers associations along the way, and finds its ultimate expression in the final two tracks.
    — Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Both Kim and the company have not elaborated on how much was damaged.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of elaborated
Verb
  • Hilton’s versions often included then-and-now cropped lengths, embellished with buckles or glittering details.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The area is charming, with the houses themselves a mishmash of shapes of colors—miniature, red roof dwellings decorated with wooden panels are piled next to slim, towering town houses embellished with sweeping bay windows.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of embellished

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Cite this Entry

“Exaggerated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerated. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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