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
Inherent in their definition is a sense of shared fate—a counter to a version of food consumption that overemphasizes individual choice.
—
Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Paternalistic tactics, such as overemphasizing IUDs and implants, undermined young people’s reproductive health preferences and goals.
—Riley J. Steiner, STAT, 20 Apr. 2026
Opponents of these changes say the standards lack perspectives from people of color globally and overemphasize the role Christianity played in the founding of the country.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026
Still, overemphasizing national trend lines fails to acknowledge how new converts can change a community.
—Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Paternalistic tactics, such as overemphasizing IUDs and implants, undermined young people’s reproductive health preferences and goals.
—Riley J. Steiner, STAT, 20 Apr. 2026
Opponents of these changes say the standards lack perspectives from people of color globally and overemphasize the role Christianity played in the founding of the country.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026
Still, overemphasizing national trend lines fails to acknowledge how new converts can change a community.
—Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize
Verb
-
The companies, meanwhile, say opportunistic lawyers and public adjusters are playing to fears and driving up costs for everyone by exaggerating the risks and damage.—
Jason Henry,
Daily News,
31 May 2026
-
The upsell should accelerate or exaggerate the result, the downsell should preserve the win, the bump should be a no-brainer.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
In July 2025, Hurley revealed another one of her tricks for taking the best bikini photos, emphasizing that lighting was key.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
-
Cheng agreed, emphasizing the point during his opening keynote appearance, citing copyright concerns in part.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Many must multi-app, though this practice is greatly overstated by the platforms themselves.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 May 2026
-
Naperville Central junior second baseman Ryley Orlanes isn’t one to overstate his accomplishments.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
While a thin layer can help support the skin barrier, overdoing thick zinc creams daily may feel too heavy for skin types and ironically, could clog pores in oily skin.—
Tatiana Dias,
Vogue,
29 May 2026
-
With such a wide range of bold options, what’s the key to embracing maximalism without overdoing it?—
Lauren Fisher,
Footwear News,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
