over-the-top

adjective

Definition of over-the-topnext
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

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 over-the-top Singapore Airlines Singapore, known for its over-the-top first-class suites, also has a solid premium economy product available on its A350, A380, and Boeing 777 planes. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026 In 2016, Grande began embracing more over-the-top silhouettes, as seen here with this voluminous, billowing black tulle look from Christian Siriano. — Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 31 July 2026 Everything over-the-top, trendy, and colorful seems to be available. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026 It’s stuffed with over-the-top, laugh-out-loud moments, surprise celebrity cameos, and a premise that is borderline ridiculous. — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
  1. excessive
  2. extreme
  3. extravagant
  4. insane
  5. steep
  6. lavish
Adjective
  • San Francisco police officers would then proceed to smash the driver's window, drag the driver out and pepper-spray him — actions that a San Francisco Department of Police Accountability (DPA) report states were excessive.
    — Jose Fabian, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Even as the busy restaurant bar reaches blatantly excessive noise levels even before Ninh’s fully done with his equipment, neighboring businesses are already having their patience tested.
    — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • To an outsider, and in isolation, some of these habits may not seem so extreme—Reddit peptides excepted.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2026
  • North of the border, in British Columbia, hundreds more homes were lost this week, and 15,000 people are currently under evacuation, with extreme fire weather conditions predicted to worsen in the coming days.
    — John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • Arendt comes most fully alive, though, when Meyer lets her own extravagant, commanding voice carry the story forward.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Ric Flair is known for his flamboyant promos and extravagant pro wrestling career that included several world championship runs across multiple promotions at his peak.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of extravagant
Adjective
  • However, Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton was fined and suspended for five games after last Tuesday’s contest, when two girls sitting courtside in support of Cunnigham said Keaton cursed at them and called them insane.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Continue reading … VIRUS RECKONING — COVID fury explodes as Fauci hearing revives 'insane' lockdown nightmare tales.
    — , FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • Officials said Sunday that fire activity had prevented them from quickly reaching the area amid steep, rough terrain.
    — Jamie Stengle, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Nugraha said difficult terrain has complicated efforts, with some hotspots located on steep volcanic slopes that are difficult to reach by land.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of steep
Adjective
  • For centuries, India’s rulers treasured these precious stones, decorating their palaces, thrones, and crowns with them, and wearing them in lavish displays of wealth and opulence.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Besides golf and the lavish new spa, the signature resort attraction is its legendary equestrian center, operated for over 30 years.
    — Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of lavish

Browse Nearby Words

over the moon
over-the-top
overthrew
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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