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
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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
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
Democratic officials have pushed back, arguing that the president is exaggerating the need to combat crime in the city for political gain.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 22 Nov. 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
Born Hillary Lynn Hayward-Thomas in Boston, Massachusetts, the former yoga teacher was accused of exaggerating her Spanish heritage after details of her past were uncovered on social media in 2020.
—Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 14 Nov. 2025
In the series, Gacy enjoyed talking about many of his accomplishments and exaggerating some of his stories.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Blumenthal apologized for exaggerating his military record in 2010 after an investigation by the New York Times.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025
Local and state officials said the federal government is exaggerating facts on the ground.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
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
Democratic officials have pushed back, arguing that the president is exaggerating the need to combat crime in the city for political gain.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 22 Nov. 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
Born Hillary Lynn Hayward-Thomas in Boston, Massachusetts, the former yoga teacher was accused of exaggerating her Spanish heritage after details of her past were uncovered on social media in 2020.
—Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 14 Nov. 2025
In the series, Gacy enjoyed talking about many of his accomplishments and exaggerating some of his stories.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Blumenthal apologized for exaggerating his military record in 2010 after an investigation by the New York Times.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025
Local and state officials said the federal government is exaggerating facts on the ground.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerating
Verb
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Netflix’s The Waterfront also centers around a small-town family running a failing fishing business and padding their pockets by helping cartels smuggle drugs using their fishing boats.—
Keith Langston,
PEOPLE,
18 Jan. 2026
-
Charlotte didn’t let up and resumed padding its lead.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
With the Heat at 22-20, Spoelstra is not overstating where his team stands.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Jan. 2026
-
That might be overstating things a bit (especially for a few coaches, ahem, Jim Harbaugh).—
Austin Mock,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Rather than coloring them with a single hue, SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, opted for a deep rose liner followed by a bubblegum pink lipstick and clear gloss.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Andie MacDowell stopped coloring her hair in 2020 and hasn’t looked back since.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While open shelves can create an airy feel and provide storage surfaces in a visually appealing way, overdoing the look isn't practical, or in keeping with the current bathroom trends.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Jan. 2026
-
The Smekkers are incredibly insulating without overdoing it—and without getting itchy, either.—
Francesca Krempa,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The mainframe cycle is enhancing infrastructure.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The drones can help save time and money while enhancing situational awareness and providing higher-quality data that can be integrated into digital environments, the press release said.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Giaccio also incorporates stretching and foam rolling into her recovery process.—
Michelle Bruton,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
On a typical $50,000 new-car loan with a $10,000 down payment and 8% APR, stretching financing from 48 months to 84 months can add nearly $5,500 in extra interest over the life of the loan.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Camp Lucy, a Texas Wine Country resort, is also expanding with the debut of Folklore, a new spa experience blending wellness, color therapy and social connection.—
Laura Begley Bloom,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Levine Cava also pointed to Miami-Dade's expanding economy, fueled in part by major international events such as Formula One races at Hard Rock Stadium and upcoming FIFA World Cup matches.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Like Frey, Lowell was a self-dramatizing fraudster, taking elements of her real life and grandly embellishing them.—
Michael Waters,
New Yorker,
3 Jan. 2026
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Many fans of the NBA today believe there are too many whistles, players embellishing for fouls, and superstar players conga lining to the free-throw line.—
Tyler Erzberger,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exaggerating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerating. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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