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 Take the subversive label Matières Fécales who started the week by shutting down the Place de la République, welcoming a cadre of over-the-top attendees. — Phil Oh, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026 Among the standout ensembles on display, sheer looks were trending in addition to over-the-top boots. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 Chuck’s over-the-top underground art aesthetic helped define an entire universe and inspired generations of artists and fans around the world. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2026 Styled by Rebecca Corbin-Murray, Pugh opted for a billowing, over-the-top black taffeta ballgown by Rodarte for the appearance. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 26 Sep. 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
  • Higher energy density is particularly useful for drones because batteries must provide enough power and endurance without adding excessive weight.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Through this, scientists want to gain clarity over the legal responsibilities of launching states to preserve near-Earth space from orbital clutter and the dark night sky from excessive light pollution.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • Without intervention, those numbers will only grow as extreme events worsen.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Kenya's National Transport and Safety Authority called upon all motorists to exercise extreme caution, avoid dangerous overtaking and strictly observe lane discipline.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • The blue carpet at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles was a sea of extravagant and unconventional ensembles featuring plenty of fur, feathers, and fringe.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Yet the brand’s spring 2027 collection didn’t take second place to the extravagant little details founders Corrada Rodriguez d’Acri, Delfina Pinardi and Maria Sole Torlonia added to their seasonal presentation.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of extravagant
Adjective
  • In particular, users are gravitating towards — and posting their own covers of — the bridge, which finds Williams belting insane high notes.
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Evidently, the Manhunter released gas that drove Antaan’s people insane, forcing many of them to jump to their deaths.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • Passengers screamed after spotting the co-pilot stabbing the captain, and the flight from Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, to the Israeli city of Tel Aviv began a steep dive.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Offense has been hard to come by for Blashill’s team, so those early holes are steeper compared to others.
    — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of steep
Adjective
  • All gaps in time and momentum can be smoothed over by Laura Karpman’s lush and lavish score.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The black-tie event will feature live entertainment, a lavish dinner, and a major fireworks display across the Dubai skyline.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 30 Sep. 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 6 Oct. 2026.

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