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 fit is just light and loose enough to give us modern Wuthering Heights or Bridgerton vibes, but not so over-the-top that it can’t be worn in real life scenarios.
—
Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 11 May 2026
Diggins provided the type of over-the-top service that Cardoso sought for most of her WNBA career, setting the young center up for 22 points on 15 shots.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
Beast Games, a spectacle of over-the-top competition, offers 1,000 contestants the chance to win a $5 million prize with other high-value prizes being doled out in the process.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026
As in the games, the violence is intentionally over-the-top and cartoony, never aiming to even remotely approach realistic.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 11 May 2026
Diggins provided the type of over-the-top service that Cardoso sought for most of her WNBA career, setting the young center up for 22 points on 15 shots.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
Beast Games, a spectacle of over-the-top competition, offers 1,000 contestants the chance to win a $5 million prize with other high-value prizes being doled out in the process.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026
As in the games, the violence is intentionally over-the-top and cartoony, never aiming to even remotely approach realistic.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
-
California does a good job verifying its voter rolls, but there’s no harm in requiring an ID provided the requirements don’t create excessive hurdles for those who may not have a driver’s license.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
-
One of the most common — excessive hair growth, known medically as hirsutism — can have a profound impact on confidence and emotional well-being.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Nothing too extreme thus far — no darkness retreat, ayahuasca journey or draft-night hijacking — but still, enough to make the Steelers feel just a bit uneasy.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
-
Outdoor succulents should be kept somewhat sheltered from extreme weather such as high winds or heavy rains.—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Perhaps the most extravagant feature is the primary suite’s three-story custom wardrobe.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
-
The convertible, part of the company's new Coachbuild Collection, will be unabashedly costly and extravagant -- Rolls-Royce's CEO Chris Brownridge is coy about the price when asked -- and illustrates how the 120-year-old brand continues to reinvent itself.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Each progressive Trolls movie has gotten more and more insane.—
Marah Eakin,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
-
To have air traffic controllers or the Transportation Security Administration to go without pay is insane and prejudicial to public safety.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
During the journey, passengers pass waterfalls, rivers, and steep valleys, crossing over 41 bridges and through 13 tunnels.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
11 May 2026
-
La Gomera’s contrasts between semi-desert and cloud forest make for steep, varied days.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
For now, the closest thing to another A24 eatery is the new Ambassadors Clubhouse, a lavish Indian restaurant imported from London that shares a building with the studio’s offices in Koreatown and by extension some of A24’s aura.—
Julian Sancton,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2026
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The villa delivers highly personalized service, such as toddler essentials, lavish breakfasts, and unlimited Leclerc Briant Champagne sourced from nearby vineyards.—
Maya Kachroo-Levine,
Travel + Leisure,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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