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
From our roasted orange chicken recipe to a couple of over-the-top orange cakes, our favorite orange recipes are a zesty crew of must-haves.
—
Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 May 2026
With options like Atlantic Ocean mist, the shower is over-the-top in the best way, and the heated swimming pool is gently illuminated, creating a peaceful lagoon-like vibe.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Put Together a Custom Photo Book A custom photo book is a sentimental gift that feels meaningful without being over-the-top.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
The verdict Elizabeth Creamery isn’t about over-the-top creations or Instagram spectacles.
—Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 May 2026
With options like Atlantic Ocean mist, the shower is over-the-top in the best way, and the heated swimming pool is gently illuminated, creating a peaceful lagoon-like vibe.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Put Together a Custom Photo Book A custom photo book is a sentimental gift that feels meaningful without being over-the-top.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
The verdict Elizabeth Creamery isn’t about over-the-top creations or Instagram spectacles.
—Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 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
-
Typical pulsating aurora displays last 10 to 20 minutes, but Kerss had captured almost three hours of extreme pulsating auroras — an unusually powerful display and one of the longest on record, according to the statement.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
28 Apr. 2026
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Threats are growing from more extreme weather.—
Michael Copley,
NPR,
28 Apr. 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
-
An additional 11,100 acres will no longer be developable under the new Urban Limit Line boundaries, but much of that land is made up of steep hills or in fire or flood zones, according to a county map.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
4 May 2026
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Globally, roughly 840 million jobs, about one in four, are exposed to generative AI, with high-income economies facing the steepest exposure at 33% of all jobs.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Warnings, laments, and odes to renewal were expressed pictorially as dying days under bleeding heavens, belching volcanoes, proud icebergs, lavish rainbows amid spangling, mist-suffusing sunlight and dawns of peace and hope.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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Bezos is no stranger to seeing protesters come between himself and a lavish celebration.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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