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
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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
City News Service, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
The deadpan one-liners exaggerating his strength, speed and toughness to absurd levels, turned Norris into one of the internet’s first global memes.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Zulekha Nathoo, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Prosecutors warned that the statute encouraged exaggerated or bad-faith claims that would be difficult to disprove years after the fact.
—Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Others say those concerns are being exaggerated so those residents can get their way.
—Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Verb
One expert, however, testified for prosecutors that the defendant was malingering, or exaggerating his psychiatric issues and was not legally insane at the time.
—City News Service, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
The deadpan one-liners exaggerating his strength, speed and toughness to absurd levels, turned Norris into one of the internet’s first global memes.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
An exaggerated defense response.
—Zulekha Nathoo, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Prosecutors warned that the statute encouraged exaggerated or bad-faith claims that would be difficult to disprove years after the fact.
—Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
AllHere had client school districts in different parts of the country, but authorities later alleged that AllHere exaggerated its business success.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Others say those concerns are being exaggerated so those residents can get their way.
—Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerate
inflated
Adjective
-
Investigators laid out a pattern of inaccurate and incomplete campaign finance reports across several election cycles, including improper contributions falsely reported as personal loans, acceptance of improper contributions and inflated cash-on-hand numbers.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
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Some of the exclusive merchandise has already appeared on eBay at inflated prices.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exaggerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerate. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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