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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Recent Examples of over-the-top
The VMAs are synonymous with over-the-top fashion — who could forget Chappell Roan’s sword from last year’s affair or Cardi B’s hair clip gown in 2023— and this year has been no different.
—
Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 7 Sep. 2025
Michael Scott was such a massive personality, so over-the-top and socially awkward and vain, that much of the story revolved around his myriad social faux pas and unforced errors.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Matt Lucas played Gil, one-half of Annie’s over-the-top brother and sister roommates.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Sure, it's been criticized for what some call over-the-top clichés and illogical plot twists, but for some, at least, that's part of the fun.
—EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 7 Sep. 2025
Michael Scott was such a massive personality, so over-the-top and socially awkward and vain, that much of the story revolved around his myriad social faux pas and unforced errors.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Matt Lucas played Gil, one-half of Annie’s over-the-top brother and sister roommates.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Sure, it's been criticized for what some call over-the-top clichés and illogical plot twists, but for some, at least, that's part of the fun.
—EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
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A level 2 of 4 threat for excessive rainfall is in place for parts of eastern New Mexico and western Texas due to rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour possible in the heaviest storms.—
Kyle Reiman,
ABC News,
13 Sep. 2025
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The government's initial response, which blamed opposition factions rather than acknowledging excessive force, further inflamed tensions.—
Sonal Nain,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Ketamine therapy’s most common short-term side effects are dizziness and nausea, but in extreme cases, long-term, heavy use of ketamine is associated with memory problems, gastrointestinal issues, and urinary tract infections, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
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Tootles’ death disproves this, showing that a hybrid being can die under extreme circumstances.—
Leia Mendoza,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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During the Edwardian period and early 20th century, luxury fur coats, full-length wraps, stoles, and extravagant collars were at the height of fashion—as much a symbol of wealth as any jewel.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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The spread is a rare offering in the Gopher State, where such extravagant homes don’t hit the market all that often.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Malik Heath’s insane toe-tap grab on the sideline, which was reversed after video replay review, was a massive 37-yard swing for the Packers during the drive.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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None of their other work, arguably, has had the seismic impact or inspires the same insane quotability as This Is Spinal Tap.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Some technology geeks may indeed be attracted to these features, though there are trade-offs here, and steep ones, as many normies will also find these features absolutely infuriating.—
Jeremy Lott,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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Trump’s immigration crackdown is at odds with his efforts to bring foreign money into the US and could unsettle trade talks with South Korea, which in July pledged $350 billion in investments in exchange for being spared steep tariffs.—
Rohan Goswami,
semafor.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The company also struck a distribution deal last year for its screenplay books, lavish tomes immortalizing A24’s most successful scripts, which are now available in bookstores around the world.—
Zach Schonfeld,
Vulture,
11 Sep. 2025
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The reveal came courtesy of renowned car dealer Landlord Jack, who showcased the vehicle and Kash Doll’s lavish gesture in a video shared online.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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