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
The symbolism is a little over-the-top if this is the case, but then again, this is a show for teens based on a YA novel, also for teens, and sometimes the symbolism needs to be screamed in ALL CAPS.
—
Sam Reed, Glamour, 29 Aug. 2025
Advertisement Maybe that makes Bugonia sound sort of fun—and the movie does contain some ridiculously over-the-top exploding-bodies gore—but Lanthimos goes out of his way to amp up the story’s ugly, brutish qualities.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
The complaint says Dish has a limited over-the-top digital license to distribute ESPN programming as part of Dish’s Sling TV service.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The sentence was intentionally undemocratic, deliberately cruel and over-the-top.
—Don McKellar, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Sam Reed, Glamour, 29 Aug. 2025
Advertisement Maybe that makes Bugonia sound sort of fun—and the movie does contain some ridiculously over-the-top exploding-bodies gore—but Lanthimos goes out of his way to amp up the story’s ugly, brutish qualities.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
The complaint says Dish has a limited over-the-top digital license to distribute ESPN programming as part of Dish’s Sling TV service.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The sentence was intentionally undemocratic, deliberately cruel and over-the-top.
—Don McKellar, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
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Avoid using excessive water to prevent damaging the floors.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
7 Sep. 2025
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Common symptoms include excessive scratching, licking, ear infections, and digestive issues.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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There are a number of majority-minority districts in blue states as well which, if viewed by the Court as unconstitutionally created, could further complicate blue-state efforts to respond to Texas-style extreme gerrymandering.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
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Louisville Metro Council is considering an ordinance to define and regulate new types of homeless shelters that council members hope will help expand shelter access during periods of extreme weather.—
Killian Baarlaer,
The Courier-Journal,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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What to expect Vaughn said the boutique has something for everyone with dress sizes ranging from zero to 28 and a variety of styles from short and simple to long and extravagant.—
Emma George-Griffin,
Freep.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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As the dust settles on another chaotic summer of extravagant Premier League spending, there’s time to take a step back.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Stines’ defense attorneys, Jeremy and Kerri Bartley, say the sheriff was insane at the time of the killing and want his full mental health report – which is currently sealed – released to the public.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
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Making straight men insane comes with the territory on one of TV’s most-talked about shows of the last five years (House of the Dragon continues to rack up toward 10 million viewers per ep).—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Aviation resources and hand crews will play a primary role due to steep, rocky terrain and limited dozer access.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
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The district’s disparate parts would be connected largely by two-lane highways cutting through steep slopes of places such as the Modoc National Forest, where nervous drivers must beware of a lack of guardrails.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Château d'Attre is a castle that was built in the late 1700s, and largely influenced by French architecture from Louis XV's era—buildings from this era were characterized by their modest exteriors that deeply contrasted with their lavish interior design.—
Opheli Garcia Lawler,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
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The duo discovered that Stoner’s business team had mismanaged finances, splurging on lavish gifts.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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