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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Recent Examples of over-the-top
Raphael will deliver it from inside a huge silver spiral staircase structure on a massive set featuring video of a cascading waterfall (which is on the somewhat subtle side for the show’s typically way over-the-top production).
—
Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 13 May 2025
Skip the fireworks and opt for an over-the-top dessert instead — some treats even release dramatic plumes of smoke that cascade across the table, delivering luxury with a whimsical twist the whole family will enjoy.
—Katie Lara, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
These days, the Kansas native is known for his over-the-top challenges, large giveaways, and philanthropic endeavors.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Oh, and there’s also a bunch of over-the-top assassins aboard aiming to kill that very person.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 13 May 2025
Skip the fireworks and opt for an over-the-top dessert instead — some treats even release dramatic plumes of smoke that cascade across the table, delivering luxury with a whimsical twist the whole family will enjoy.
—Katie Lara, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
These days, the Kansas native is known for his over-the-top challenges, large giveaways, and philanthropic endeavors.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Oh, and there’s also a bunch of over-the-top assassins aboard aiming to kill that very person.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
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The lawsuit argues the incident is part of a larger pattern of excessive force by deputies.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
16 May 2025
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Among its findings were that Banks used excessive force and falsely imprisoned Myles; that Banks’ use of his dog violated Myles’ Fourth Amendment rights; that Banks and the county were both negligent; and that the county violated Myles’ civil rights by failing to properly train and supervise Banks.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Amanda learned in like 10 seconds, which is insane.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Mar. 2025
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The emu egg—a two pound, eight-inch ovoid with a sultry teal shell gently speckled in pale green—seemed like just the right absurdist final flourish for an already insane endeavor.—
Helen Rosner,
The New Yorker,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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On Tuesday, May 13, Trump's visit included a coffee ceremony, participation in a Saudi-U.S investment forum, a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an extravagant state dinner.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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The family has plowed some of their wealth into an extravagant fleet of roughly a dozen Airbus and Boeing airliners converted into luxurious rides for a small number of passengers, as well as smaller business jets from Bombardier and Dassault.—
Jeremy Bogaisky,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Hazards differ according to geography, but include flooding, wildfires, extreme heat, storm surges, and other severe weather events.—
Claire Poole,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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As a result, military training installations have had to adapt their training schedules to avoid the hottest times of day to mitigate the health risks associated with extreme heat.—
Bella Kubach,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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