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
This exercise revealed Janelle wasn’t exaggerating.
—
Albert Kim, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Retailing for $1,073 and available in purple, black, brown, highlighter yellow and red, the Metal Dragon boot has become one of Windowsen’s most recognizable designs, known for exaggerating scale and structure.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Albert Kim, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Retailing for $1,073 and available in purple, black, brown, highlighter yellow and red, the Metal Dragon boot has become one of Windowsen’s most recognizable designs, known for exaggerating scale and structure.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerating
Verb
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Still, after whupping the White Sox 10-4 on Thursday night, Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger asserted that there's no shame in padding the record against low-quality competition, which is objectively true.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
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Bob Hawkey, a Grant Thornton consultant, said the city has to work on convincing voters that the potential 1% tax hike won’t be about padding the budget, but about ensuring long-term financial stability.—
Hanna Kang,
Oc Register,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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There’s a danger of overstating the significance of one band.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Aug. 2025
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And finally… There’s no overstating the scale of the crisis at Sheffield Wednesday.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Wright’s Laura is convinced that Cooke’s Cherry is hiding something, but is that just boy mom paranoia coloring her perspective, or is something seriously shady happening?—
Lucy Ford,
Time,
28 Aug. 2025
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Try coloring, building with blocks, or doodling beside a younger child.—
Kelsey Mora,
CNBC,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But the actor slips into the role flawlessly (with the help of good makeup), never overdoing it and adding a fair amount of gravitas to the constantly shifting scenery.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Aug. 2025
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And while some thought the league was overdoing it with all the shots of the singer during the games, Mama Kelce was excited for the new audience Swift was attracting.—
Lisa France,
CNN Money,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Other states, including California, Montana, Idaho and North Dakota, have similar laws enhancing sentences for repeat felony offenders.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
3 Sep. 2025
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In another section, male nudes celebrate the body with an ode to classic perfection, enhancing strength and symmetry through a refined use of light and composition.—
Andrea Onate,
Footwear News,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Complimentary activities range from morning stretching with a sea breeze to late-afternoon volleyball in the sand to learning about local culture through a Boduberu drum session.—
Katie Lockhart,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
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Across eight episodes, Levy explores eight countries—Austria, Canada, England, India, Ireland, Mexico, South Korea and the United States—touching down in dreamy, horizon-stretching destinations that broaden his perspective, as well as his viewers’ outlook.—
Laura Manske,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Student Experience and Programming — expanding academic programs such as the Capstone Design, the Flowers Invention Studio, and the Student Competition Center by supporting faculty mentors and students.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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France, which plans to recognize a Palestinian state this month at the United Nations, also voiced its opposition to Israel expanding operations in Gaza.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Inch by inch, the AI aids the person in embellishing the delusion.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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The sweater’s drop shoulder gives it a relaxed look, and the patch pockets on the pants are both practical and embellishing.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exaggerating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerating. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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