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.

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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 The honesty and objectivity of Stars and Stripes can’t be overemphasized. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 13 July 2026 But most teams no longer overemphasize basic data like height or standing reach. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 4 June 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

Prosecutors described the brothers as flight risks who exaggerate, lie under oath and should remain behind bars.

— Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
According to naturalist Bill Finch, kudzu’s threat to Southern landscapes has been exaggerated.

— The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of exaggerate

Verb

At a high level of abstraction, some scholars emphasize the multiplicity itself as a key aspect of Hinduism.

— Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Since Tiffany’s attacks began, Crowley has moved in Hong’s general direction, emphasizing his requirements—using exclusively renewable energy to power new data centers, building them with union labor—for developers to receive the tax breaks.

— Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of emphasize

Verb

But Montgomery cautions against overdoing it with vinegar as a weed control method.

— Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 22 Aug. 2026
From two-tone cardigans for dinner and straw hats for family beach days to her signature breezy button-downs, Markle’s getaway style is a master class in looking polished without overdoing it.

— Amanda Le, InStyle, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of overdo

Browse Nearby Words

overemotional

overemphasize

overemphasized

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Style

“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of overemphasize

verb

Example Sentences

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