OVEREMPHASIZE Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

overemphasize

verb

Definition of overemphasize

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.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 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 As a result, regulatory approaches that overemphasize capabilities and pre-deployment testing will struggle to prevent the harms that emerge in real-world use. — Ion Stoica, Fortune, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for overemphasize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize

Verb

Reports of theater’s death have been exaggerated for generations.

— Brian Beirne, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026
The hiring trust crisis is usually described as candidates exaggerating, the part background screening is built to catch.

— Houman Akhavan, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of exaggerate

Verb

Board members emphasized that even under the 40% projection, the district would still end the year with a positive cash balance.

— Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026
While the shape of the dress harkened back to the easy sensuality of ’90s designs, the bodice incorporated subtle embroidery throughout, with sequins and beadwork that emphasized the unique patterning of the midi design.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of emphasize

Verb

Although drawing a straight line from the uprising to election results would overstate the evidence, in 2017, Vi Lyles became Charlotte’s first Black woman mayor and voters elected five new City Council members — all younger than 40.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026
There is no reason to overstate the significance of the ratings decline.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of overstate

Browse Nearby Words

overemotional

overemphasize

overemphasized

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of overemphasize

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

elegiac

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18

Popular

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes