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
From our roasted orange chicken recipe to a couple of over-the-top orange cakes, our favorite orange recipes are a zesty crew of must-haves.
—
Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 May 2026
With options like Atlantic Ocean mist, the shower is over-the-top in the best way, and the heated swimming pool is gently illuminated, creating a peaceful lagoon-like vibe.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Put Together a Custom Photo Book A custom photo book is a sentimental gift that feels meaningful without being over-the-top.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
The verdict Elizabeth Creamery isn’t about over-the-top creations or Instagram spectacles.
—Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 May 2026
With options like Atlantic Ocean mist, the shower is over-the-top in the best way, and the heated swimming pool is gently illuminated, creating a peaceful lagoon-like vibe.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Put Together a Custom Photo Book A custom photo book is a sentimental gift that feels meaningful without being over-the-top.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
The verdict Elizabeth Creamery isn’t about over-the-top creations or Instagram spectacles.
—Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
-
The authors argued that the typical American diet contained excessive calories and fat and lacked sufficient amounts of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
30 Apr. 2026
-
This development enables high-performance batteries to function without the bulky pressurization hardware that often adds excessive weight and volume to electric vehicle battery packs.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Typical pulsating aurora displays last 10 to 20 minutes, but Kerss had captured almost three hours of extreme pulsating auroras — an unusually powerful display and one of the longest on record, according to the statement.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Threats are growing from more extreme weather.—
Michael Copley,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Derby fashion became even bigger, more extravagant, and brighter.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
Figures move across these planes in extravagant silhouette, heads tilted just so, fingers stiffly splayed and elbows akimbo.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Bringing his bag of insane tricks and witty banter to the Wilshire Ebell Theatre for two nights on May 8 and 9, Willman’s crowd work, storytelling and intricate tricks are inspired by everyday life.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Just this insane profanity-laden tirade that went on and on and on.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
An additional 11,100 acres will no longer be developable under the new Urban Limit Line boundaries, but much of that land is made up of steep hills or in fire or flood zones, according to a county map.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
4 May 2026
-
Globally, roughly 840 million jobs, about one in four, are exposed to generative AI, with high-income economies facing the steepest exposure at 33% of all jobs.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Warnings, laments, and odes to renewal were expressed pictorially as dying days under bleeding heavens, belching volcanoes, proud icebergs, lavish rainbows amid spangling, mist-suffusing sunlight and dawns of peace and hope.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Bezos is no stranger to seeing protesters come between himself and a lavish celebration.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
