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 best under-$500 watches for women Although watch styles can run the gamut from minimalist to over-the-top, sticking to timeless styles from heritage brands like Seiko and Tissot always has its benefits.
—
Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 22 Jan. 2026
The resort’s many restaurants include Basalt, which serves refined steakhouse fare with cuts sourced from Utah ranches, while the convivial 20th Hole pairs burgers with wildly over-the-top milkshakes that are best enjoyed between rounds on the golf simulators.
—Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
The rockstar’s larger-than-life style and over-the-top jewelry continue to fascinate fans.
—Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 18 Jan. 2026
Performers aren't in over-the-top, flashy outfits perpetuated in Hollywood movies, but honor traditional hula attire.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 22 Jan. 2026
The resort’s many restaurants include Basalt, which serves refined steakhouse fare with cuts sourced from Utah ranches, while the convivial 20th Hole pairs burgers with wildly over-the-top milkshakes that are best enjoyed between rounds on the golf simulators.
—Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
The rockstar’s larger-than-life style and over-the-top jewelry continue to fascinate fans.
—Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 18 Jan. 2026
Performers aren't in over-the-top, flashy outfits perpetuated in Hollywood movies, but honor traditional hula attire.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
-
Commissioners dismissed the allegations related to donor information but found that Ellis had accepted excessive contributions.—
Chaya Tong,
Austin American Statesman,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The restrictions, known as a consent decree, were a result of a 2017 lawsuit over excessive use of solitary confinement and pepper spray on inmates.—
Molly Beck,
jsonline.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Engineers can test extreme scenarios without physical risk.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Research has shown that images of extreme violence can impact mental health, increasing symptoms of anxiety and depression.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
What extravagant actions can a life of astonishing clothes inspire?—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Since the royal Netflix show first premiered in December 2020, fans have fallen in love with its steamy romance, extravagant costumes and wide range of classical covers of some of the biggest pop hits.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
And there’s Harrison Ford, which is insane.—
Senior Television,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Jan. 2026
-
But that’s an indictment of our insane world, not Roher’s filmmaking.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
On the continental shelf, these areas are located in shallower waters rich in nutrients, often associated with colder waters and steep seabed slopes that bring food to the surface.—
Rodrigo Tardin,
The Conversation,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Shop steep sales on quilts, duvet covers, and more cozy bedroom essentials.—
Jamie Fischer,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The lavish lifestyle, previously kept in the dark, was now out in the open.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Several design vestiges remain from its heyday welcoming famous guests, lavish parties and cabaret shows including the iconic landmark neon sign at the top of the building.—
Sara Liss,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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