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
O’Hara created a perfectly hilarious monster in Moira, from her absurdly over-the-top wardrobe and wigs to her open disdain for their new life.
—
Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Through Oscar’s over-the-top pride and Trudy’s grounding wisdom, kids see different generations in a household connecting and learning life lessons.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026
One standout character, the hard-living showgirl Lola Heatherton, set the stage for many over-the-top O’Hara artists to come.
—Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Everyone is wearing over-the-top makeup.
—Pavan Mahal, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Through Oscar’s over-the-top pride and Trudy’s grounding wisdom, kids see different generations in a household connecting and learning life lessons.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026
One standout character, the hard-living showgirl Lola Heatherton, set the stage for many over-the-top O’Hara artists to come.
—Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Everyone is wearing over-the-top makeup.
—Pavan Mahal, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
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Although the Bobcats scored more points in the paint, their inability to stop the Eagles' forward on the interior led to excessive fouling.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
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Critics say it was often used to justify excessive force by police.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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When glycogen stores are low, blood sugar highs and lows feel more extreme, which can be especially challenging for the brain, DeWitt said.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
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As frozen supply chains continue to expand, autonomous systems designed specifically for extreme environments may become essential rather than optional.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, as extravagant, ever-evolving hotels and resorts continue to redefine the Strip experience.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Feb. 2026
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The extravagant ceremony, a traditional performance/show put on by the host country of every Olympic Games, is taking place at Milan's San Siro Stadium this year, and featured a bevy of celebrity performers and cameos, including Mariah Carey, Charlize Theron and Andrea Bocelli.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Last week, the wind-power green scam artists were back in federal court, arguing to be permitted to keep squandering billions more on those insane offshore windmills that produce next to no energy, but plenty of pollution.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
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That’s the best reaction to these stupid, insane men ruling the world now and trying to grab and dominate the world.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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For the first time since the Federal Reserve began its aggressive rate hikes years ago, the share of homeowners paying steep mortgage rates above 6% now exceeds the elite class of borrowers holding on to rock-bottom rates below 3%.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
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Set the scene Somewhere between Monaco and Cannes, up the steep streets of Nice’s intricate Old Town, a large garden with poppies is accessed through a cool courtyard, shaded by orange trees.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The two whip up a lavish dip packed with cheese, greens and pickles, which add tang to cut through the indulgent creaminess.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2026
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Nichols said financial documents offered as evidence showed the GoFundMe donations were spent on things like lavish meals and travel, streaming services, car payments and rent.—
Jane Harper,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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