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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exaggerate
The administration has repeatedly downplayed the benefits of immunization, while exaggerating the importance of nutritional supplementation for combatting measles.
—
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
Charlotte Tilbury shoppers also appreciate that the product doesn’t exaggerate or settle into their fine lines.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
Just some want a little bit to exaggerate this here.
—Max Mathews, New York Times, 13 Jan. 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
See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
Charlotte Tilbury shoppers also appreciate that the product doesn’t exaggerate or settle into their fine lines.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
Just some want a little bit to exaggerate this here.
—Max Mathews, New York Times, 13 Jan. 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
See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerate
Verb
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The research team aims to explore how the patches can enhance situational awareness and monitor exposure for military personnel in hazardous environments.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
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Items such as candle sconces and decorative milagros add a touch of sparkle and enhance the mood.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Still, the impact of the French New Wave is hard to overstate, said Robbie Collin in The Telegraph.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
5 Feb. 2026
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The latter expectation is overstated, but e-bikes are a great trend in mobility.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Taopiaopiao release centers on an underperforming local police unit that fabricates minor cases to pad its record, only to uncover a genuine criminal conspiracy after a burst water main exposes a gang of tomb raiders posing as repair workers.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
9 Feb. 2026
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Merrell SpeedARC Matis Hiking Shoes Upgrade your hiking shoes to this Merrell style, featuring breathable mesh and padded collars to keep your feet cozy during your outdoor adventures.—
Destinee Scott,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Over-Styling Your Shelves Styling your shelves with personal mementos, vintage treasures, and more can give your home an eclectic aesthetic—but don't overdo it.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
10 Feb. 2026
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This week’s roundup breaks down what to know about vitamin D dosing, simple ways to support heart health, and better sleep without overdoing it.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The filthy talk of collusion, of course hyperbolized by Unsocial Media, again is crawling out of the swamp.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2023
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Yet the internet — the same force that has increased awareness of social-justice movements — has hyperbolized all entreaties to our fragmented attention spans.—
Lauren Oyler,
New York Times,
8 May 2018
Verb
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Most people at the meeting, held over Microsoft Teams, expressed excitement at the potential for conservation in an area stretching from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance, plus 200 yards inland.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
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Set the scene Arriving at Four Seasons Costa Palmas feels like driving toward a kasbah in Morocco—miles of stark desert stretch out on either side before the landscape suddenly opens to an oasis on the edge of the Sea of Cortez.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The movie would not ultimately get made, but her work on it colors her memories of early motherhood.—
Rebecca Traister,
Vulture,
10 Feb. 2026
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Dark Stones Gone are the days of all-white kitchens; designers are more than thrilled to say yes to color.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Prosecutors are now looking at a financial accounts for the Walshe family, including an account overdrawn by about $800.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
2 Dec. 2025
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If the account is overdrawn for a day or so, the brain can adjust quickly.—
Andrew Mawson,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exaggerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerate. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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