EXAGGERATING Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

exaggerating

verb

present participle of exaggerate

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

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of exaggerating Cornelissen works with little intervention in the wine cellar, but without exaggerating. — Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 Jan Paul van Hecke of the Netherlands has been involved in two scraps already, the latest when he was hit while going for a header and crumbled, perhaps exaggerating a tad, after Morocco's Azzedine Ounahi challenged the header, as well. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026 Goldman says Lander is exaggerating the gulf between them. — Russell Berman, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026 Some may suspect the president is exaggerating. — Drew Endy, Washington Post, 4 June 2026 The companies, meanwhile, say opportunistic lawyers and public adjusters are playing to fears and driving up costs for everyone by exaggerating the risks and damage. — Jason Henry, Daily News, 31 May 2026 Apple just settled a class-action lawsuit for exaggerating the AI capabilities of its newest iPhones. — Vitaliy Katsenelson, Fortune, 14 May 2026 The league decided to introduce postgame flop fines in the 2012-13 season where plays were reviewed after games and those individuals were fined for exaggerating contact. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026 Flopping is exaggerating contact that’s already there. — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 4 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerating

Verb

Financial advisers aren't just dispensing help on investments and padding a nest egg anymore.

— Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 July 2026
Summer footwear is everything, whether you’re headed to the pool, running errands, or just padding around the house.

— Sarah Scott, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026

Definition of padding

Verb

Concrete proof But HHS seems to be wildly overstating the magnitude of the issue.

— Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
These advocates accuse law enforcement and politicians of overstating the human trafficking problem on Figueroa in order to justify more police actions and the passage of harsher laws.

— Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of overstating

Verb

Moreover, the shock of higher prices is still fresh in people's minds and may be coloring consumers' purchasing decisions, despite signs that prices should retreat further.

— Zev Fima,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 July 2026
Pink to purple blooms open over a long season, coloring the garden from late spring through fall to the delight of butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.

— Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 July 2026

Definition of coloring

Verb

While accent pillows are a great way to add color and pattern into your room design, overdoing it with too many pillows can make for a busy, unkempt look.

— Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 11 July 2026
Have fun walking up and running down the dunes with your pup, but be mindful of the heat and elevation to avoid overdoing it.

— Rebecca R. Norris, USA Today, 29 June 2026

Definition of overdoing

Verb

For a natural, lash-enhancing effect, Briceno suggests pressing the pencil directly into the roots of your lashes rather than drawing a thick line above them.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026
Martin explains that the ideal base for wedding makeup is calm, moisturized, and firm skin; that way, the makeup artist can focus more on enhancing your natural glow rather than concealing or correcting.

— Rio Viera-Newton, Vogue, 23 July 2026

Definition of enhancing

Verb

The attacks targeted Kyiv and nine other regions, the president said, stretching from Lviv in the country's west and its border with Poland to Sumy and Kharkiv in the northeast of the country, close to the border with Russia.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 30 July 2026
The impending impact, scientists say, offers a chance to analyze the crater and plume of dust stretching several miles above the surface.

— Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Definition of stretching

Verb

Her campaign has proposed expanding Medicaid and working toward rehabilitation efforts that provide alternatives to prison.

— Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Technical textiles is a market that prioritizes performance over aesthetics and one that is rapidly expanding as industries focus on lightweight durability, sensor integration and environmental compliance.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 July 2026

Definition of expanding

Browse Nearby Words

exaggerates

exaggerating

exaggeration

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“Exaggerating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerating. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of exaggerating

verb

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