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 episode also featured a parody of Thiel, who visits South Park Elementary to deliver an over-the-top presentation about how the Antichrist is coming.
—
Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
Hart will insult Hammerstein as a third-rate talent and then, upon being face-to-face with his rival, spews over-the-top compliments.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025
Both are charismatic front men with a flair for over-the-top theatricality (although no one is more theatrical than Cooper).
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Oct. 2025
When Giselle Hernandez picks packaging for her makeup line, the phrase ‘over-the-top’ means nothing.
—Essence, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
Hart will insult Hammerstein as a third-rate talent and then, upon being face-to-face with his rival, spews over-the-top compliments.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025
Both are charismatic front men with a flair for over-the-top theatricality (although no one is more theatrical than Cooper).
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Oct. 2025
When Giselle Hernandez picks packaging for her makeup line, the phrase ‘over-the-top’ means nothing.
—Essence, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
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The thunderstorms could also bring excessive rainfall in northern Arkansas, southern Missouri and southern Illinois, bringing a risk of flash flooding, the weather service said.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
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There are risks of severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall on Saturday from the Ozarks into the mid-Mississippi River Valley with potential for damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Operating at the extreme fringes is also an effective strategy for maximizing exposure in the algorithm, which explains why popular influencers such as the Nelk Boys and Jake Paul started their YouTube careers as prank peddlers, before leaning into more overtly political content.—
T. M. Brown,
New Yorker,
15 Oct. 2025
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Caving—which is the more extreme cousin to spelunking—is physically and mentally challenging but also adrenaline fueled and just plain fun, too.—
Heide Brandes,
AFAR Media,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Critics said Trump had pushed for the extravagant parade not to commemorate the armed forces, but as a display of his own vanity.—
NPR,
NPR,
19 Oct. 2025
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While some may view it as extravagant goods and high-end services, others see it as occasional splurges, unique experiences and good health.—
Maddie McGay,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The outpouring of people on social media was insane.—
Wendy Grossman Kantor,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
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The trailer teases spicy fights, insane games, and twists.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Of course, this is an extremely limited release and the price that commands a steep price.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
16 Oct. 2025
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Bunch says ridership stayed stable at a time when most cities saw steep drops.—
Joel Rose,
NPR,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The lavish colors are all set against the stunning backdrop of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations.—
Roger Naylor,
AZCentral.com,
10 Oct. 2025
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The Love Island star celebrated her 28th birthday with a lavish party in New York City in August.—
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,
Billboard,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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