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
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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
Robert M. Kaplan, STAT, 1 Jan. 2026
Their leaders and citizens imagine or exaggerate threats.
—Caleb Pomeroy, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2025
Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Deniers claim that the gas chambers never existed and that the Holocaust is either grossly exaggerated or fabricated out of whole cloth.
—Elliott Broidy, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Nov. 2025
The dip in play has been exaggerated, but the Chiefs do need more.
—Sam McDowell 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Verb
Public health discussions often emphasize relative risks, which can exaggerate harm.
—Robert M. Kaplan, STAT, 1 Jan. 2026
Their leaders and citizens imagine or exaggerate threats.
—Caleb Pomeroy, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2025
Adjective
Some of that was real, some of it was exaggerated, some of it was just imagined — and all of it became a potent, highly motivating political narrative.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Deniers claim that the gas chambers never existed and that the Holocaust is either grossly exaggerated or fabricated out of whole cloth.
—Elliott Broidy, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
Twice each day, the normal rhythm of the tides from high to low is exaggerated during king tides.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Nov. 2025
The dip in play has been exaggerated, but the Chiefs do need more.
—Sam McDowell 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerate
inflated
Adjective
-
Oversized fits—from bomber jackets and cow-print fleece coordinates to wide-leg jeans—were balanced with boots with inflated toes and straps.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
29 Jan. 2026
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The ball itself was usually an inflated animal bladder, like a cow bladder, explains Louis Moore, a professor at Michigan State University, who teaches sports history.—
Jaclyn Diaz,
NPR,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exaggerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerate. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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