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
Moser says that American leaders have overemphasized college to the detriment of vocational training and that the U.S. system of apprenticeships pales in comparison with the ones in countries like Germany and Switzerland.
—
Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 13 May 2025
Hyper-independence happens when a person overemphasizes autonomy, often as a defense mechanism from past hurt, trauma or fear of vulnerability.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Overall, China’s policymakers have overemphasized manufacturing as an economic driver, analysts say, and if the current tariffs stay in place, some predict China’s GDP growth this year could fall to 3%, missing the official target of around 5%.
—Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 9 May 2025
Worse yet, overemphasizing happiness can create a performative culture where employees feel pressured to fake positive emotions.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 13 May 2025
Hyper-independence happens when a person overemphasizes autonomy, often as a defense mechanism from past hurt, trauma or fear of vulnerability.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Overall, China’s policymakers have overemphasized manufacturing as an economic driver, analysts say, and if the current tariffs stay in place, some predict China’s GDP growth this year could fall to 3%, missing the official target of around 5%.
—Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 9 May 2025
Worse yet, overemphasizing happiness can create a performative culture where employees feel pressured to fake positive emotions.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize
Verb
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Second, the extent of the controversies has often been exaggerated: a handful of Trump supporters have stuck their heads above the parapet, the media have sniffed drama and written up stories about friction, and nothing has ultimately changed.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
27 June 2025
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Opponents of burnout argue that burnout researchers exaggerate that burnout is a condition of epidemic magnitude.—
Lieke ten Brummelhuis,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Verb
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But Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized Tehran had no interest in negotiating with the U.S. while Israel continued attacking.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 June 2025
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Similarly, Lesly Leon, bound for an administrative fellowship at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California, emphasized the duality of personal and community growth in a meaningful career.—
Glenn Llopis,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
Verb
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Yes, he’s been better, but the degree to which is likely overstated.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
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Many Democrats have expressed public frustration with Hogg over the past few weeks, though Nellis said its importance is overstated.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
15 June 2025
Verb
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As the orange jersey-holder Tanner Conner got to control the playlist during Tuesday’s practice, the Miami Dolphins tight end seemingly overdoes his teammates with four Eminem songs.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
10 June 2025
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Take care not to overdo this, especially with plants that need excellent drainage, like succulents, Mediterranean woody herbs, or orchids.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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