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
Relevance
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
Someone could ask for help in an over-the-top way.
—
Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 5 Jan. 2026
Even her attempts to stay warm were fashionably over-the-top.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
Celebrating Maximalist Mixology Even though people may be drinking earlier in the day, the party vibes are still going strong, with glamorous cocktails and over-the-top concoctions on the rise.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
The combination of slow-moving dread and Nicholson’s over-the-top performance creates a level of discomfort that many have tried to match.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 5 Jan. 2026
Even her attempts to stay warm were fashionably over-the-top.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
Celebrating Maximalist Mixology Even though people may be drinking earlier in the day, the party vibes are still going strong, with glamorous cocktails and over-the-top concoctions on the rise.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
The combination of slow-moving dread and Nicholson’s over-the-top performance creates a level of discomfort that many have tried to match.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
-
There was excessive growth of microtubules that wasn’t caused by an increase in gene activity, but likely due to the cells failing to clear away old or misfolded proteins.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Nov. 2025
-
But Walpole’s excitement was curbed when they were flagged for excessive celebration.—
Justin Barrasso,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
An extreme cold watch is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Here, sea level rise is accelerating at some of the most extreme rates on Earth, while hurricanes increasingly are swirling ashore with an unprecedented ferociousness.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The boom in production costs has been blamed on high talent prices, stemming from extravagant spending by big streamers in recent years.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Not every Tesla investor was on board with the extravagant deal.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
His votes, like his tattoos, just weren’t insane enough anymore.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
-
His voice messages of songs are amazing and insane.—
Kristin Robinson,
Billboard,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s where the Kate Spade Outlet comes in, offering polished, functional purses at steep discounts.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The figures, while slightly less than official economists’ estimates, assuaged concerns about a steeper drop in employment.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The trio were indicted in May and accused of falsifying loan applications to get federal pandemic relief funds and money meant for Brown’s nonprofit that was spent on a lavish birthday party and Louis Vuitton items.—
Julia Coin,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Other content in her round-up included a video of a lavish fireworks display, Alba lounging on the beach in a leopard print bikini and a fruit display with a custom coconut at One&Only Palmilla Los Cabos resort in Mexico.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share