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
Someone could ask for help in an over-the-top way.
—
Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 5 Jan. 2026
Even her attempts to stay warm were fashionably over-the-top.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
Celebrating Maximalist Mixology Even though people may be drinking earlier in the day, the party vibes are still going strong, with glamorous cocktails and over-the-top concoctions on the rise.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
The combination of slow-moving dread and Nicholson’s over-the-top performance creates a level of discomfort that many have tried to match.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 5 Jan. 2026
Even her attempts to stay warm were fashionably over-the-top.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
Celebrating Maximalist Mixology Even though people may be drinking earlier in the day, the party vibes are still going strong, with glamorous cocktails and over-the-top concoctions on the rise.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
The combination of slow-moving dread and Nicholson’s over-the-top performance creates a level of discomfort that many have tried to match.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
-
Diane Nygaard, an Oceanside resident and representative of the nonprofit Preserve Calavera, said the developer’s request for 14 waivers of city development standards is excessive.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Shorter days and excessive time indoors?—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
An extreme cold watch is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Here, sea level rise is accelerating at some of the most extreme rates on Earth, while hurricanes increasingly are swirling ashore with an unprecedented ferociousness.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The archival dress is Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture 2003, a classic yet modern, extravagant French Haute Couture creation, complete with hundreds of yards of silk tulle.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
During her time as queen, Marie Antoinette was known for her extravagant fashions and lavish parties, and her jewelry was no different.—
Elle Meier,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Or why roads and other critical infrastructure projects now take untold years and insane amounts of money to complete, and by the time they are finally opened are already rendered all but obsolete?—
Lee Steinhauer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Jan. 2026
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In this abjectly insane political environment that Minnesotans have created for themselves, the federal agent has about as much chance of a fair trial as the Vikings have of winning this year’s Super Bowl, which is to say, none.—
David Marcus,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s where the Kate Spade Outlet comes in, offering polished, functional purses at steep discounts.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The figures, while slightly less than official economists’ estimates, assuaged concerns about a steeper drop in employment.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The trio were indicted in May and accused of falsifying loan applications to get federal pandemic relief funds and money meant for Brown’s nonprofit that was spent on a lavish birthday party and Louis Vuitton items.—
Julia Coin,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
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Other content in her round-up included a video of a lavish fireworks display, Alba lounging on the beach in a leopard print bikini and a fruit display with a custom coconut at One&Only Palmilla Los Cabos resort in Mexico.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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