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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exaggerate
Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026
The aforementioned labels, as well as a few heritage trainer brands, already have strong contenders on the market, including Adidas’s laceless Taekwondo style, which offers an especially chic way to exaggerate the profile.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
The loud, exaggerated and dramatic elements that make live theater so magical can be overwhelming for Benjamin and other people with special needs.
—Alyssa Ramos, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2026
David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025
Fatma Cicek Geyik, a 57-year-old artist, said the visit would bring some joy but should not be exaggerated.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Verb
But those spikes will be exaggerated by the power drain from expanding technologies like artificial intelligence and by government decarbonization policies such as those that promote electric vehicle use and electric home heating systems.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026
The aforementioned labels, as well as a few heritage trainer brands, already have strong contenders on the market, including Adidas’s laceless Taekwondo style, which offers an especially chic way to exaggerate the profile.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Part of what makes Nightborn both stomach-churning and thought-provoking is how all the crazy stuff happening is just a slightly — okay, substantially — exaggerated version of the reality so many first-time parents face.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
The loud, exaggerated and dramatic elements that make live theater so magical can be overwhelming for Benjamin and other people with special needs.
—Alyssa Ramos, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
Trump has exaggerated the 2022 inflation crisis as the worst in US history.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025
Fatma Cicek Geyik, a 57-year-old artist, said the visit would bring some joy but should not be exaggerated.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerate
inflated
Adjective
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State officials are asking lawmakers to craft a bill that would allow the Department of Social Services to limit Medicaid payments for unionized nursing homes whose owners hire family members at inflated salaries.—
Jenna Carlesso,
Hartford Courant,
19 Feb. 2026
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Those inflated costs fall squarely on the shoulders of small businesses and working families through higher premiums and lower take-home pay.—
Bianca Blomquist,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exaggerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerate. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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