as in excessive
going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount
The writing was great, but some of the acting was over-the-top.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of over-the-top
Director Ben Wheatfield’s over-the-top neo-Western lassoes nonstop mayhem.
—
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
Holtz in his later years became something of a caricature, like an actor who leans into the over-the-top quirks of his role.
—Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Politics can seem abstract, with its formal procedures, its divisions of power and its over-the-top rhetoric.
—Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
The over-the-top excess twinned with control may seem appealing in a world where smartphones offer a mindless, constant and banal source of stimulation.
—Jennifer Pollitt, The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
Holtz in his later years became something of a caricature, like an actor who leans into the over-the-top quirks of his role.
—Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Politics can seem abstract, with its formal procedures, its divisions of power and its over-the-top rhetoric.
—Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
The over-the-top excess twinned with control may seem appealing in a world where smartphones offer a mindless, constant and banal source of stimulation.
—Jennifer Pollitt, The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
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Illinois Senate President Don Harmon should pass legislation granting the Illinois Department of Insurance the power to reject excessive rate hikes by insurance companies regarding homeowners’ insurance rates.—
Willie Wilson,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
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The National Park Service warns that excessive saltwater intrusion can weaken the trees over time, and in some cases, eventually kill them.—
Dan Peck,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that prohibits cities and counties from creating their own heat exposure protections for outdoor workers—a move critics say limits local efforts to address extreme working conditions.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
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The technology is aimed primarily at reducing the extreme physical strain experienced by artillery crews.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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There is no shortage of extravagant beachfront villas in the Caribbean, but this one distinguishes itself by combining the best of neo-classical design with a touch of whimsy.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
19 Mar. 2026
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Cuarón clearly understood that the more extravagant choices can only function in the periphery of a sturdy emotional anchor, an actor with the gravitas to communicate the exasperation that Liborio feels in a reality that overwhelms him.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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If he was convicted, a jury would then have to decide whether Abril was insane when the park shooting occurred.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
26 Mar. 2026
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And the culture is happily playing along in the name of this insane thirst of Stan culture to have something on the other side.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Still, the global price of oil stood at about $100 a barrel, which marked a steep rise from pre-war levels.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2026
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Redifer said Workforce Solutions will keep focusing on populations facing the steepest barriers, including young people, individuals with disabilities, veterans and people balancing work and caregiving.—
Wilborn P. Nobles III,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In recent months, Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin and others have bought up lavish beachfront estates and new commercial office spaces in South Florida.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2026
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Brazilian celebrities and politicians are known to frequent this exceptionally lavish event, with a black tie, long-dress dress code; tickets start from £600 and go into the thousands.—
Laura French,
TheWeek,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
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