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 The extreme weather and climate events so far this summer read like an over-the-top disaster movie script, except this is reality. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 The blue ombré design stands out without feeling over-the-top, while the sleeveless silhouette keeps it comfortable on warm days. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 Following alt-rock’s aughties surge, a slew of bands like Mastodon, the Mars Volta, and Coheed & Cambria became main-stage festival acts by adapting modern hard rock conventions into over-the-top mutations. — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026 There are no scenes of thrilling aerial combat or over-the-top attacks in no man’s land. — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 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
  • Treatment methods Before prescribing TRT, doctors generally look for potentially reversible or temporary factors, including obesity, certain medications, untreated obstructive sleep apnea, acute illness and excessive alcohol use.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
  • Used thoughtfully, such tools can help organizations identify patterns associated with burnout, including staffing imbalances, unsustainable workloads, excessive overtime or workflow bottlenecks.
    — Jennifer Lee, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • Connecticut famers have been awaiting access to such relief after experiencing damages caused by disasters and extreme weather events in 2023 and 2024.
    — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
  • The filmmakers have conceived a world that is both funny and extreme, navigating themes of bodily autonomy for both males and females through the playful and the monstrous.
    — William Earl, Variety, 25 July 2026
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • The average song would be a couple of minutes, and four would seem like an extravagant jam.
    — Brian Howe, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026
  • Meteorite from Sebastián Múnera follows two young women on a journey through an extravagant amusement park built on the estate of the late drug lord Pablo Escobar.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026
Definition of extravagant
Adjective
  • To see that journey completely through to the end has been insane.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • The stupidity and greed of the status quo threatens to drive her insane.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 July 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • The drop-off from Bellinger to Spencer Jones, the likeliest call-up candidate, is steep.
    — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • Investors are demanding stronger profits after initially accepting a steep drop from Niccol’s in-store investments.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 26 July 2026
Definition of steep
Adjective
  • Retired tech executive David Cancel and scientist Amanda Cirello recently celebrated their lavish wedding on Isola del Garda, Lake Garda, Italy.
    — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • With more than 1,500 stylish rooms and suites, including lavish specialty and presidential accommodations, the iconic oceanfront resort seamlessly blends timeless glamour with modern luxury.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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