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 Its importance, however, can be overstated and overemphasized by amateur scouting staffs. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 25 May 2026 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 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

The president designated the gang as a terrorist group and said Maduro had sent it to invade the United States, although some law enforcement officials say the administration exaggerated the threat to justify mass deportations.

— Sebastian Rotella, ProPublica, 10 July 2026
The best place to start is a sporting culture that exaggerates accomplishments and rewards capitalistic success before the sporting variety.

— Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of exaggerate

Verb

Euthanasia is not the approach NRE Tas plans to take, Thamman emphasized – but the public needs to cooperate to keep themselves and Neil safe.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Giselle Garcia, program director for NorCal Resist, said the arrest data largely tracks with the organization’s own informal counts though emphasized much enforcement goes unaccounted for if families aren’t willing to speak up.

— Mathew Miranda July 9, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of emphasize

Verb

Anyone considering an at-home device should talk with a physician first and be wary of products that overstate the science.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2026
The question is why so many otherwise capable professionals feel compelled to overstate their AI skills in the first place.

— Susan Jacobson, Forbes.com, 10 July 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 17 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of overemphasize

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on overemphasize

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

obdurate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

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

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17

Popular

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes