as in to exaggerate
to treat (something) with more importance than is needed or proper
The teacher tends to overemphasize the value of tests. The importance of a healthy diet cannot be overemphasized.
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Recent Examples of overemphasize
But ChatGPT sometimes overemphasized or underemphasized findings, and a small but significant number of responses indicated patients were more confused after reading the summaries, said Honce, who participated in the preprint study.
—
Kate Ruder, jsonline.com, 17 Sep. 2025
But ChatGPT sometimes overemphasized or underemphasized findings, and a small but significant number of responses indicated patients were more confused after reading the summaries, said Honce, who participated in the preprint study.
—Kate Ruder, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
But ChatGPT sometimes overemphasized or underemphasized findings, and a small but significant number of responses indicated patients were more confused after reading the summaries, said Honce, who participated in the preprint study.
—Kate Ruder, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025
The end of the post–Cold War era has exposed the shortcomings of this approach, which overemphasized collective self-defense commitments and neglected the deeper economic, technological, and strategic ties that are increasingly salient in modern geopolitics.
—Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Kate Ruder, jsonline.com, 17 Sep. 2025
But ChatGPT sometimes overemphasized or underemphasized findings, and a small but significant number of responses indicated patients were more confused after reading the summaries, said Honce, who participated in the preprint study.
—Kate Ruder, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
But ChatGPT sometimes overemphasized or underemphasized findings, and a small but significant number of responses indicated patients were more confused after reading the summaries, said Honce, who participated in the preprint study.
—Kate Ruder, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025
The end of the post–Cold War era has exposed the shortcomings of this approach, which overemphasized collective self-defense commitments and neglected the deeper economic, technological, and strategic ties that are increasingly salient in modern geopolitics.
—Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize
Verb
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Allegations that are now spreading online could be misinterpreting records or exaggerating minor issues — or could be exposing actual fraudulent activity.—
Jude Joffe-Block,
NPR,
7 Jan. 2026
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For instance, Venus opposing Jupiter retrograde can exaggerate desires or emotional spending, while the sun, Mars and Mercury opposing Jupiter can result in overextension or impulsive decision-making.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Anne Arundel County police said their investigation into the incident is ongoing and emphasized that its officers do not enforce immigration law or conduct ICE operations.—
Karina Tsui,
CNN Money,
13 Jan. 2026
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Researchers emphasize that the full scope of the outbreak among elephant seals may be far greater than current numbers suggest.—
Brian Hackney,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That production likely overstates the free-swinging Lugo’s upside, but the 21-year-old has more raw power than his slight frame would suggest, along with above-average speed and experience playing six different positions in the minors.—
Aaron Gleeman,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2026
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But the revenues never reached the assumed level and his Department of Finance eventually — and very quietly — acknowledged that the administration had overstated income by a whopping $165 billion over four years.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Vinegar is pretty overpowering, even to humans, so don’t overdo it.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
6 Jan. 2026
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Your serving size should be an 8-oz cup to reap some of these benefits without overdoing it.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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