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
But ChatGPT sometimes overemphasized or underemphasized findings, and a small but significant number of responses indicated patients were more confused after reading the summaries, said Honce, who participated in the preprint study.
—
Kate Ruder, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025
The end of the post–Cold War era has exposed the shortcomings of this approach, which overemphasized collective self-defense commitments and neglected the deeper economic, technological, and strategic ties that are increasingly salient in modern geopolitics.
—Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2025
Without proper incentive alignment, leaders and employees will rationally overemphasize the measurable, short-term benefits and underinvest in the intangible, long-term enablers — reproducing the IT productivity paradox.
—Anjana Susarla, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
See how schools did The U.S. News & World Report's rankings have come under scrutiny over the years, however, for favoring certain kinds of schools and overemphasizing standardized testing scores, which have historically favored wealthier districts.
—Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Kate Ruder, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025
The end of the post–Cold War era has exposed the shortcomings of this approach, which overemphasized collective self-defense commitments and neglected the deeper economic, technological, and strategic ties that are increasingly salient in modern geopolitics.
—Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2025
Without proper incentive alignment, leaders and employees will rationally overemphasize the measurable, short-term benefits and underinvest in the intangible, long-term enablers — reproducing the IT productivity paradox.
—Anjana Susarla, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
See how schools did The U.S. News & World Report's rankings have come under scrutiny over the years, however, for favoring certain kinds of schools and overemphasizing standardized testing scores, which have historically favored wealthier districts.
—Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize
Verb
-
Giménez was exaggerating, but not by much.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Our foul, flatulent father-figure may exaggerate a bit when belittling his enemies (and friends, for that matter), but cloaked under his aura of filth — like an adult Pig-Pen’s toxic dust cloud — rests a core truth.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
When making placements at the Turina James, unlike at the Civic and other CoLEAD shelters, the city is no longer emphasizing Third Avenue clients but instead people from Seattle’s Chinatown-International District.—
Ashley Hiruko,
ProPublica,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The event, launched in 1982, celebrates the freedom to read and express ideas and emphasizes the importance of fighting censorship.—
Jennifer Borresen,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Often sensational in tone and light on substance, these reports typically allege that a company has misstated its financial condition, overstated business prospects, or engaged in improper practices.—
Tim Reynolds,
Fortune,
3 Oct. 2025
-
However, the overall impact of high-tech industries for China should not be overstated, said Magnus.—
Matthew Tostevin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But Maura never overdoes the feisty granny bit.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Its two pressure settings are powerful enough to clear away plaque without overdoing it, all in a compact design that tucks neatly under the sink or into your carry-on.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share