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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in inflated
extended beyond normal or realistic bounds
loves the exaggerated emotions that are part and parcel of grand opera
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
In his Gettysburg Address, considered one of the greatest speeches in American history, Lincoln did not toot his own horn or exaggerate the significance of his own words.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026
Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026
Others, pointing to the younger age profile of some Gaeltacht communities and the modest growth of urban Irish-speaking households, call predictions of the imminent demise of the language greatly exaggerated.
—Big Think, 4 May 2026
Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Apr. 2026
There are also credible questions over whether Mills exaggerated his military record during his first campaign.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Verb
By exaggerating the patients’ health problems, insurers collect larger payments from government without providing additional healthcare.
—Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
In his Gettysburg Address, considered one of the greatest speeches in American history, Lincoln did not toot his own horn or exaggerate the significance of his own words.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
That normal surge becomes exaggerated.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026
Others, pointing to the younger age profile of some Gaeltacht communities and the modest growth of urban Irish-speaking households, call predictions of the imminent demise of the language greatly exaggerated.
—Big Think, 4 May 2026
Verb
The team, according to records shared with Semafor by Moore’s office, is digging into whether Moore had exaggerated his military record, as well as his high school and collegiate basketball tenure.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Apr. 2026
There are also credible questions over whether Mills exaggerated his military record during his first campaign.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerate
Verb
-
The new thermal insulation material improves upon aerogel by enhancing its mechanical properties while maintaining moisture permeability and quick-drying performance.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
-
Saudi Aramco’s new supercomputer, meant to accelerate the search for new oil and gas deposits and enhance output from existing fields, costs $373 million.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Saka’s importance to this Arsenal side cannot be overstated.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
The 98-day supply of other oil products may overstate the amount of usable oil, Grigsby said in a note seen by Fortune.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Visitors mill around the town statue of Richard Warren, Widow’s Bay’s first mayor, who was then known as Lord Protector of the Island, which seems like a really inflated job title.—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
-
If your summer vacation budget is straining under inflated gas prices and airfare, these deals may provide relief.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Representatives also padded their budget with policy.—
State House News Service,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The Victorian-style bodice of the royal’s gown was also padded at the hips and narrowed at the waist, a signature design element of McQueen.—
Nicole Briese,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Saka’s importance to this Arsenal side cannot be overstated.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Still, experts say the impact of a one-month pause may be overstated.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
They shouldn’t be allowed to use their refunds to pad their profits while continuing to keep their prices high for hardworking Americans.—
Linda Sánchez,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
-
Kacie Hoffmann padded the lead with a two-run homer to right in the fourth and Ava Kuszak added a solo shot to left in the sixth.—
Daily News,
Daily News,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Of course, finding a way to pay homage to a movie that came to define a generation — without overdoing it — would be no small feat.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
8 May 2026
-
Teyana Taylor, ever the purposeful center of attention, donned a silver foil fringe look by Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford, but overdid it with a matching wig, converting her into a tinsel tree.—
Merle Ginsberg,
HollywoodReporter,
5 May 2026
Verb
-
The snake is copper-colored, light brown or tan.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2026
-
The contemporary artist added that the shoes in the collection are meant to look worn out and discolored from walking through puddles and have marks on the sides colored with a pen.—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exaggerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerate. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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