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 Freedom and White decided to fight lunacy with lunacy, using their over-the-top declarations as a way to push back on the WNBA’s lack of spine and clarity in the trans in women’s sports dilemma. — Patricia Babcock McGraw Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The movie goes big on the ‘80s tropes for laughs, including over-the-top costumes and era-specific references, but the love story at its heart is timeless. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026 At dinner—when jackets are required—that means tasting menus full of over-the-top luxurious creations such as foie gras torchon with strawberries and fennel jam. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026 Whether shown in unexpected pops of color, mix-and-match patterns, over-the-top textures, or bold color blocking, the shift towards dressing with more expression and personality is coming in hot this fall. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 Aug. 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
  • Carrying five tight ends is excessive, so there probably won’t be room for Fidone unless Theo Johnson’s shoulder injury is more serious than initially believed.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Interestingly, patient education level or excessive punctuation had little impact.
    — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • Overdosing on the drug can cause extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, decreased reflexes, respiratory depression, coma and possible death.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • In the Rocky Mountains, years of extreme heat and drought have baked the landscape, drying up streams that feed the Colorado River and desiccating pastures where cattle graze.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • As the Times report noted, the Met Gala, an extravagant event held in tandem with the Costume Institute’s spring show, is typically held on the first Monday in May.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But there was a twist, gaining access to the yacht’s extravagant amenities wouldn’t be so simple.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of extravagant
Adjective
  • Darby hit an insane Coffin Drop from a lighting rig, through the stage on Knight.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • That base price of about $5,000 may sound insane to the average person but likely won’t hurt the pockets of the average Lamborghini customer.
    — Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • For people feeling strapped by steep costs, the 60/30/10 budget can offer a more forgiving framework to follow.
    — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Putin, for his part, did not publicly signal any movement from his previous steep demands, which seek major concessions from Ukraine.
    — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of steep
Adjective
  • Both brothers have grown their following of mainly young men by building a lavish, hyper-macho image of driving fast cars and dating beautiful women.
    — Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The respectable but not outsized viewership was coupled with the high cost for the lavish production, which filmed both color and black & white versions.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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