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 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

The defense maintained that those accounts were exaggerated or fabricated for money and notoriety, pointing to the absence of physical evidence independently placing Davis in the Cadillac that night.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 1 Sep. 2026
But Oxley, writing in a commentary, cautioned that there are logistical hurdles and said the value of Venezuela’s reserves may have been exaggerated under former President Hugo Chavez.

— Collin Binkley, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of exaggerate

Verb

The European ministers in Copenhagen emphasized the new hubs would abide by European and international law.

— Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Coaches have emphasized wanting a more explosive, downfield passing game and showed glimpses of it Thursday night.

— PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of overemphasize

verb

Example Sentences

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