1
as in padding
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 overstating
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 exaggerating
Christopher Carnahan, a Los Angeles police officer who was accused of skydiving and working out while also collecting disability benefits by exaggerating an on-duty work injury, was charged with two counts of felony insurance fraud, prosecutors said.
—
Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026
Historically, some doctors have dismissed these differences as women exaggerating their pain or being unable to tolerate the same discomfort as men.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026
He was accused of exaggerating his actions following King’s assassination and making anti-Semitic remarks.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
The show, in exaggerating adolescence—in remaking that consequential phase as a fantasy and a melodrama—also managed to honor it.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
Companies are exaggerating their AI capabilities to raise their value and, in turn, creating a host of problems for executives and employees alike.
—Devika Rao, TheWeek, 9 Feb. 2026
Allegations that are now spreading online could be misinterpreting records or exaggerating minor issues — or could be exposing actual fraudulent activity.
—Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026
Studies have found that companies tend to buy cheap, low-quality carbon credits, which run a risk of exaggerating their carbon reduction claims or providing results that would have happened anyway, leaving no real climate benefit.
—Brian P. McCullough, The Conversation, 10 Dec. 2025
Of course, Solomonik is far from the first person to explore the inherent absurdity of trans life by exaggerating that absurdity, but so rarely is the transmasc psyche in all of its neuroses explored in such a way.
—Ana Osorno, Them., 21 Nov. 2025
Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026
Historically, some doctors have dismissed these differences as women exaggerating their pain or being unable to tolerate the same discomfort as men.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026
He was accused of exaggerating his actions following King’s assassination and making anti-Semitic remarks.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
The show, in exaggerating adolescence—in remaking that consequential phase as a fantasy and a melodrama—also managed to honor it.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
Companies are exaggerating their AI capabilities to raise their value and, in turn, creating a host of problems for executives and employees alike.
—Devika Rao, TheWeek, 9 Feb. 2026
Allegations that are now spreading online could be misinterpreting records or exaggerating minor issues — or could be exposing actual fraudulent activity.
—Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026
Studies have found that companies tend to buy cheap, low-quality carbon credits, which run a risk of exaggerating their carbon reduction claims or providing results that would have happened anyway, leaving no real climate benefit.
—Brian P. McCullough, The Conversation, 10 Dec. 2025
Of course, Solomonik is far from the first person to explore the inherent absurdity of trans life by exaggerating that absurdity, but so rarely is the transmasc psyche in all of its neuroses explored in such a way.
—Ana Osorno, Them., 21 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerating
Verb
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Or, this versatile, lightweight neck pillow from Trtl is much less bulky than your average option but still provides support by keeping your neck upright while padding it.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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But what Mom noticed most were the thoughtful touches—yoga mats in the closet, dogs padding through the lobby of this pet-friendly property, bikes ready for guests to explore.—
Lisa A. Beach,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Van Lent and other staffers didn’t think that the reservoir was bad, but that the foundation and the governor were overstating its benefits.—
Michael Adno,
Rolling Stone,
3 Mar. 2026
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The broader concern critics have raised is that tech companies may be overstating the autonomy of their robots for marketing, investment, or competitive reasons.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As someone who’s spent half her life coloring her hair–from bleach blonde to cherry red–I’m well acquainted with both the thrill and the responsibility that comes with a new shade.—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
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The chromium in the pan can react to high temperatures, leading to rainbow coloring on stainless steel.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The actor says creating Dutton's persona reflects what Grimes liked watching while growing up, namely actors who told a story without overdoing it, with still excellence, like Paul Newman.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
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These botanicals work alongside modern actives such as salicylic acid and probiotics, helping keep buildup in check without overdoing it.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Ultimately, the performance of the IS system is commendable, effectively mitigating shake and enhancing viewing stability.—
Matt Morris,
Space.com,
4 Mar. 2026
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Adele's take on the shade honors her red roots, the choice enhancing her natural features for a lit-from-within glow.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Israel has struck sites in Beirut's suburbs and issued a blanket warning for residents south of the Litani River -- an area in southern Lebanon stretching to the border with Israel -- to evacuate their homes, but had not previously issued a blanket evacuation order for Beirut's southern suburbs.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
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Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi An enormous inland pool of clear water stretching as far as the eye can see, Lake Malawi offers many opportunities for affordable lakeside leisure.—
Melanie van Zyl,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After observing Choe Hyon's sea trials on Tuesday, Kim said the ship met operational requirements and called it a symbol of the country's expanding naval capabilities.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
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Ukrainian manufacturers have developed low-cost interceptor drones specifically designed to hunt and destroy Shaheds, and its rapidly expanding drone industry is producing excess capacity.—
Illia Novikov,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Many arias from the 1800s include repeated verses to give the singers the opportunity to show off their coloratura skills by embellishing the sections of the songs the second time around.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
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Like the pharaohs and emperors of antiquity, the president weaponizes the past to justify his present actions and future plans, omitting and embellishing events of yesteryear to fit a bellicose agenda.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exaggerating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerating. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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