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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Recent Examples of overemphasize
The potential impacts of abusing nitrous oxide cannot be overemphasized.
—
Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize
Verb
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Replay shows the defender never made meaningful contact and the offensive player overly-exaggerated the contact (flopped).—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
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Perry has recently favored footwear that exaggerates a familiar evening shape.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
13 June 2026
Verb
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Suarez also acknowledged both teams' slow starts, emphasizing the Red Sox's need to contend.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
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As Hinkley’s family and fiancée mourn the loss of a young man who still had his entire future ahead of him, prosecutors emphasized the scrutiny applied when criminal allegations involve an on-duty law enforcement officer.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
Verb
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The magnitude of World Cup games in Miami can hardly be overstated.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
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Last year, she was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for defrauding the bank by overstating the number of customers Frank had.—
Kif Leswing,
CNBC,
14 June 2026
Verb
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The trend is positive if approached with balance and proper technique, avoiding overdoing it.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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When Your Lawn Needs Watering The first step is to not overdo it.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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