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
Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Maduro insisted in his letter that Venezuela’s role in regional drug trafficking has been exaggerated and politically manipulated.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2025
Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Ironically, the 1971 No-Fault Law that aimed to reduce fraud and litigation costs is a major cause of auto insurance fraud in the state, with The Insurance Research Council estimating that one out of 10 no-fault claims are fraudulent and one in three are exaggerated.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
The production’s director, Eric Ting, who stood nearby with various assistants, suggested that Costanzo’s look be naturalistic, whereas the play’s other characters be exaggerated.
—Henry Alford, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Verb
Over half, or 51 percent, admitted to exaggerating their financial success, with Gen Z (54 percent) leading the way compared to millennials (48 percent).
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Maduro insisted in his letter that Venezuela’s role in regional drug trafficking has been exaggerated and politically manipulated.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Sacai Sacai, with Chitose Abe at the helm as creative director, showcased exaggerated tassels among its footwear looks.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Ironically, the 1971 No-Fault Law that aimed to reduce fraud and litigation costs is a major cause of auto insurance fraud in the state, with The Insurance Research Council estimating that one out of 10 no-fault claims are fraudulent and one in three are exaggerated.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
Some golf historians believe that number was exaggerated, with estimates closer to 11 or 14, which would leave Daly in contention for golf’s most notorious single hole score.
—Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
The production’s director, Eric Ting, who stood nearby with various assistants, suggested that Costanzo’s look be naturalistic, whereas the play’s other characters be exaggerated.
—Henry Alford, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerate
inflated
Adjective
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But the unrelentingly positive energy, like the inflated compliment culture of Hollywood as a whole, begins to grate.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
9 Oct. 2025
-
The team surrounding the viral celebrity helped her into an inflated tub filled with water for the actual delivery.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exaggerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerate. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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