over-the-top

adjective

Definition of over-the-topnext
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

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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 Mexico had not won in a World Cup knockout round since 1986, a fact that perhaps contributed to the fan’s over-the-top reaction to one of the goals. — Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Drones and water choreography, acrobats, and a floating pianist paired with over-the-top performances by Leona Lewis and opera singer Joseph Calleja transformed the night into a spectacle. — Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 The experience blends elevated nightlife with the over-the-top spirit that has defined Las Vegas entertainment for decades. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has dealt with over-the-top jeers from fans the past couple of seasons. — Greg Dudek, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
  1. excessive
  2. extreme
  3. extravagant
  4. insane
  5. steep
  6. lavish
Adjective
  • Last month, six women interviewed by the Times described concerning behavior by Platner, including excessive drinking, infidelity, and, in one account, physical intimidation.
    — Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Black residents of the city have expressed fear of harassment and concerns about trading high crime for excessive policing.
    — Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 6 July 2026
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • In his view, that defiance forced the GOP to take extreme measures and go it alone.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 12 July 2026
  • Still, many labor for long hours in extreme heat without shade, without reliable access to clean water, and without the basic protections most Floridians take for granted.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • For Holland, Buffett, and Musk, accumulating wealth hasn’t necessarily translated into extravagant spending.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 2026
  • Northland through my eyes Kansas City’s time in the limelight hosting World Cup matches and extravagant watch parties is quickly approaching its end.
    — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Definition of extravagant
Adjective
  • England’s 2-1 victory against Mexico — and that insane Azteca Stadium crowd — also was richly deserved.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
  • Allowing Trump to declare insane levels of tariffs would have been really bad for the economy and bad for Republicans.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 6 July 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • That marks a steep decline of 74% from the movie's already-poor $37 million debut, a much bigger drop than is typical for a summer superhero film.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • In the tourney, Zellers had five goals and three assists in five games and made a steep climb up the depth chart.
    — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 5 July 2026
Definition of steep
Adjective
  • All the gold is gone, and there’s barely enough to pay her soldiers, let alone throw a lavish coronation.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • In 2018, the pair were married at a lavish ceremony in Windsor.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of lavish

Browse Nearby Words

over the moon
over-the-top
overthrew
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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