overemphasize

verb

Definition of overemphasizenext
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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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 overemphasize But whereas weaker seasons have relied on this feeding loop to the point of exhaustion, overemphasizing one side or the other, this time, new challenges keep emerging, giving personality quirks new angles through which to be reflected. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2026 Mishiali’s filmmaking does not overemphasize the brutality of this situation. — Elena Lazic, Variety, 15 July 2026 The honesty and objectivity of Stars and Stripes can’t be overemphasized. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 13 July 2026 The old name overemphasized the role of the ovary in this condition and did not describe how PMOS can affect many body systems. — Melanie Cree, The Conversation, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize
  1. exaggerate
  2. emphasize
  3. overstate
  4. overdo
Verb
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly framed settler violence in the West Bank as the work of a few dozen fringe youths and said its scale has been exaggerated.
    — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • South Korea’s military, which often accuses the North of exaggerating its military technologies, did not immediately comment on KCNA’s report.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of exaggerate
Verb
  • Google’s November 13, 2025 holiday shopping update began rolling out agentic checkout and emphasized the scale of its Shopping Graph, with more than 50 billion product listings and 2 billion refreshed every hour.
    — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The collectibles industry, once a niche hobby, has boomed since the pandemic with the help of marketing that emphasizes huge potential monetary wins.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of emphasize
Verb
  • Kylie Cooper | Reuters Paying more for less However, the size of Republicans’ financial advantage may overstate how much advertising that money can actually buy.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The concern may be overstated, especially since homeowners don’t ordinarily sell seats.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of overstate
Verb
  • Don’t get too warm, though Although staying warm is essential — things like fingers don’t work as efficiently when chilled — don’t overdo it.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • One of her concerns is layering products, which can easily lead to overdoing it on the actives.
    — Korin Miller, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of overdo

Browse Nearby Words

overemotional
overemphasize
overemphasized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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