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 Mexico had not won in a World Cup knockout round since 1986, a fact that perhaps contributed to the fan’s over-the-top reaction to one of the goals. — Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Drones and water choreography, acrobats, and a floating pianist paired with over-the-top performances by Leona Lewis and opera singer Joseph Calleja transformed the night into a spectacle. — Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 The experience blends elevated nightlife with the over-the-top spirit that has defined Las Vegas entertainment for decades. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has dealt with over-the-top jeers from fans the past couple of seasons. — Greg Dudek, Hartford Courant, 28 June 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
  • Tammy Abraham left soon after Tuchel arrived while most of the forwards — with the exceptions of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz — grew tired of the manager’s excessive candour.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • If the prospect of lines, crowds, and excessive noise is deterring you from a vacation this summer, then the area around Shippea Hill is the ultimate antidote.
    — Rob Crossan, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • In his view, that defiance forced the GOP to take extreme measures and go it alone.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 12 July 2026
  • Still, many labor for long hours in extreme heat without shade, without reliable access to clean water, and without the basic protections most Floridians take for granted.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • The newlyweds, both 36, tied the knot in an extravagant ceremony at the iconic venue July 3, which took over the streets of Manhattan and required the New York Police to shut down the immediate vicinity.
    — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has revealed how much Taylor Swift paid the city for her and Travis Kelce‘s extravagant Madison Square Garden wedding.
    — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 10 July 2026
Definition of extravagant
Adjective
  • England’s 2-1 victory against Mexico — and that insane Azteca Stadium crowd — also was richly deserved.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
  • Allowing Trump to declare insane levels of tariffs would have been really bad for the economy and bad for Republicans.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 6 July 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • That marks a steep decline of 74% from the movie's already-poor $37 million debut, a much bigger drop than is typical for a summer superhero film.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • In the tourney, Zellers had five goals and three assists in five games and made a steep climb up the depth chart.
    — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 5 July 2026
Definition of steep
Adjective
  • All the gold is gone, and there’s barely enough to pay her soldiers, let alone throw a lavish coronation.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • In 2018, the pair were married at a lavish ceremony in Windsor.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 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 15 Jul. 2026.

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