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 But most teams no longer overemphasize basic data like height or standing reach. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 4 June 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 Its importance, however, can be overstated and overemphasized by amateur scouting staffs. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for overemphasize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize

Verb

Kennedy has also sought to personally reform the agency’s vaccine policy, firing all 17 of its vaccine advisers and replacing them with his own picks, many of whom have questioned the benefit of vaccines while exaggerating their harms.

— Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Ng argued that powerful companies have exaggerated those threats to restrict open models and limit competition.

— Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of exaggerate

Verb

Some political analysts have warned against overstating an ideological divide between Wiener and Chan.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026
The Bulls’ reported interest in Mathurin, though, has been overstated, according to a league source who was granted anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations.

— Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of overstate

Verb

Be careful not to overdo it; once scooped, the frozen watermelon will melt faster.

— Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026
While the Rays are being careful not to overdo expectations for their highest draft pick in 18 years, Emerson is not shy at all about his goals.

— John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 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 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of overemphasize

verb

Example Sentences

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