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
Relevance
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
The season will be defined by bold beading, over-the-top embellishment, and loud color-blocking; any of the picks below fit the vibe perfectly.
—
Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 25 Feb. 2026
Then, Tinney brought it up as high as his frame would permit, mimicking the over-the-top release point of 6-foot-6 superstar Dylan Volantis.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
One by one, barbecue meals are expanding from simple, satisfying lunches into belly-groaning, over-the-top exercises in gluttony.
—Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
These cars are so over-the-top, but still legitimately good-looking.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 25 Feb. 2026
Then, Tinney brought it up as high as his frame would permit, mimicking the over-the-top release point of 6-foot-6 superstar Dylan Volantis.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
One by one, barbecue meals are expanding from simple, satisfying lunches into belly-groaning, over-the-top exercises in gluttony.
—Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
These cars are so over-the-top, but still legitimately good-looking.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
-
While regular coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, excessive coffee intake may have the opposite effect.—
Brittany Lubeck,
Verywell Health,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Google is using this method to help developers optimize their apps, as no one wants their service to cause excessive battery drain.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite extreme market volatility last year – especially in the spring of 2025 – the average 401(k) balance rose by 11% to $146,100, according to new data from Fidelity Investments, which analyzed nearly 25 million accounts.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Hypersonic systems must endure extreme heat and stress.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Noem has also been under fire for extravagant spending at the department, while placing restrictions on FEMA disaster relief funds.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
6 Mar. 2026
-
From quick grocery runs to soaking up sunshine on the beach, these popular slides prove that comfort and style don’t require an extravagant splurge.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
If he was convicted, a jury would then have to decide whether Abril was insane when the park shooting occurred.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Like, dude, the views from the top are insane.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Health officials warn that steep cuts to federal and state homeless services threaten to reverse the progress achieved over the last two years.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Accessibility The paths aren’t paved, and some of the tents, like ours, are up a relatively steep hill.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Sumptuous grays and neutrals in the lavish rooms create a seamless quality from door to sea, and subtle Asian details delight.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Most take it in stride, or consider the situation at Indian Wells a fair tradeoff for the otherwise gorgeous backdrop of mountains, picturesque sunsets and lavish facilities.—
Douglas Robson,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
