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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of over-the-top
One by one, barbecue meals are expanding from simple, satisfying lunches into belly-groaning, over-the-top exercises in gluttony.
—
Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
Candiace’s confessional and reunion looks always leaned into the opulent, over-the-top glamour synonymous with the Real Housewives.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
These cars are so over-the-top, but still legitimately good-looking.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 19 Feb. 2026
Microdramas are similar to soap operas, focusing on common tropes and over-the-top theatrics.
—Devika Rao, TheWeek, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
Candiace’s confessional and reunion looks always leaned into the opulent, over-the-top glamour synonymous with the Real Housewives.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
These cars are so over-the-top, but still legitimately good-looking.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 19 Feb. 2026
Microdramas are similar to soap operas, focusing on common tropes and over-the-top theatrics.
—Devika Rao, TheWeek, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
-
The city is already in trouble because of excessive debt.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Feb. 2026
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Austin police officers will soon be able to fine motorists up to $500 for excessive engine noise following a unanimous Austin City Council vote Thursday.—
Austin Sanders,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite extreme market volatility last year – especially in the spring of 2025 – the average 401(k) balance rose by 11% to $146,100, according to new data from Fidelity Investments, which analyzed nearly 25 million accounts.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
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Hypersonic systems must endure extreme heat and stress.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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These are extravagant perks, no matter what anyone in City Hall may claim.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Feb. 2026
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Porter was also the most extravagant in her promises, pledging to deliver universal healthcare to California — a years-old Democratic ambition — free child care, zero tuition at the state’s public universities and elimination of the state income tax for those earning less than $100,000.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Chastain’s career has been pretty insane, too.—
Greg Riddle,
Dallas Morning News,
25 Feb. 2026
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Canada is an insane team out there,’’ said Quinn Hughes.—
Pierre LeBrun,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The market also shrugged off steep declines in private equity names, including KKR, Blackstone, and Apollo.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2026
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However, Washington’s steep tariffs have forced them together.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Dining at Perrine restaurant feels like your (lavish) home away from home, while the al fresco Rose Terrace transports guests straight to Paris.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
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But the House’s lavish offer was clearly designed to set the bar high for the final product.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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