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
An over-the-top hazing event involving members of a high school baseball team is under investigation in southeastern North Carolina, according to deputies.
—
Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
As the smoke and acrid odor from Netflix’s over-the-top pregame production cleared, two figures emerged from the haze to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2026 baseball season.
—Sports Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
These movies are over-the-top violent, but most people don’t really want to see someone get hit in the face in real life.
—Marah Eakin, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026
The Maybach is known for having some of the most over-the-top interiors out there with the reclining rear seats that resemble a first class flight along with foldable tables and pillows.
—Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
As the smoke and acrid odor from Netflix’s over-the-top pregame production cleared, two figures emerged from the haze to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2026 baseball season.
—Sports Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
These movies are over-the-top violent, but most people don’t really want to see someone get hit in the face in real life.
—Marah Eakin, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026
The Maybach is known for having some of the most over-the-top interiors out there with the reclining rear seats that resemble a first class flight along with foldable tables and pillows.
—Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
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Both problems also thwarted Artemis I, whose capsule returned with excessive heat shield damage.—
Marcia Dunn,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
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Those key warning signs include low patient counts, excessive billing, staff shared across multiple companies, and supposedly terminally ill patients who were later discharged alive.—
Adam Yamaguchi,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
From extreme heat and wildfire smoke to asthma and utility costs, climate change is already impacting our everyday lives.—
CBS LA Staff,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
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This model is also the brand’s most durable yet, boasting an extreme IP69 rating for water and dust resistance, paired with a versatile triple 50MP camera system that captures professional-grade detail across wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto shots.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Located above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in New Orleans Square, 21 Royal Street was used variously over the years as an exhibit and gallery space and since 2017 has been the location of an extravagant private dining experience.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
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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
Adjective
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This is not your $65,000-a-year job, someone who’s a janitor and is trying to talk in a school board meeting who really could lose his job for this opinion, which is insane.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
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Three years after Steven Yeun and Ali Wong captured the attention of viewers eager to see the culmination of their characters' insane road rage fight, the drama series is back, this time focusing on two couples with a new kind of beef.—
Madeleine Janz,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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While consumers worldwide face steep price hikes, Brazilian gasoline prices rose just 5% in March — compared to 30% in the United States.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
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The beatdown started with a low crawl up King’s steep gravel driveway.—
Charles Bethea,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Twenty or thirty years ago, stadiums entered a luxury arms race, and they are now largely designed for lavish fan experiences affordable to only a few.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
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In Miami, lavish supper clubs with elaborate shows drew crowds.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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