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
In many countries, Trump remains an unpopular figure and leaders have taken heat for their over-the-top praise, working to win him over.
—
Saige Miller, NPR, 2 Aug. 2025
Grey’s Anatomy’s storylines often are quite ridiculous, but, in my view, those very early seasons are far superior to the over-the-top tales told in more recent seasons.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 2 Aug. 2025
Many of Sandler’s films, like Billy Madison and Hubie Halloween, are known for their over-the-top silliness while having a lot of heart.
—Skyler Trepel, People.com, 30 July 2025
Sandler’s portrayal of Happy Gilmore has become one of his most famous for his over-the-top comedic anger, which turns more heartfelt as the film progresses.
—Skyler Trepel, People.com, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Saige Miller, NPR, 2 Aug. 2025
Grey’s Anatomy’s storylines often are quite ridiculous, but, in my view, those very early seasons are far superior to the over-the-top tales told in more recent seasons.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 2 Aug. 2025
Many of Sandler’s films, like Billy Madison and Hubie Halloween, are known for their over-the-top silliness while having a lot of heart.
—Skyler Trepel, People.com, 30 July 2025
Sandler’s portrayal of Happy Gilmore has become one of his most famous for his over-the-top comedic anger, which turns more heartfelt as the film progresses.
—Skyler Trepel, People.com, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
-
Hot days tax the body greatly and if your body is not up to the challenge, excessive environmental heat can result in severe injury and even death.—
Bryant Stamford,
The Courier-Journal,
7 Aug. 2025
-
El Financiero also reported that authorities are investigating whether the accident was caused by excessive speed or distracted driving.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The costs of extreme weather, supply chain disruptions, and falling labor productivity are all visible on the horizon, with ample academic research to back them up.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The danger will remain at very high or extreme levels during the weekend and Monday, days when the heatwave affecting us since the beginning of the month continues.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
It is woven not from extravagant ingredients or ornate presentations, but from resourcefulness, memory, and above all, love.—
Sami Tamimi
August 6,
Literary Hub,
6 Aug. 2025
-
According to Denver District Attorney, John Walsh $1.3 million of 300 investors’ money went to fund the pastor’s and his wife's extravagant lifestyle which included a home renovation, luxury handbags, cosmetic dentistry and a Range Rover.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Amanda learned in like 10 seconds, which is insane.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Mar. 2025
-
The emu egg—a two pound, eight-inch ovoid with a sultry teal shell gently speckled in pale green—seemed like just the right absurdist final flourish for an already insane endeavor.—
Helen Rosner,
The New Yorker,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Failure to comply can carry steep penalties, with fines ranging from thousands to millions of dollars.—
Sagi Eliyahu,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Even if a cold spell follows warm weather, if the temperature has already been stabilized at 58 to 60 degrees those same steep banks and dams on the downwind shore are spots to bet on.—
Anthony A. Ciuffa,
Outdoor Life,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Since turning into tourist hot spots, these lavish bathrooms helped drive Deji’s daily foot traffic to a record 335,000 during the Labor Day Golden Week in May.—
Denni Hu,
Footwear News,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Menu highlights include Bavarian pretzels, hot wings, pizza, burgers and lavish charcuterie boards.—
Roger Naylor,
AZCentral.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share