as in exaggerates
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 overemphasizes
If women ski as long as the men do and don’t do it as quickly, that ratio gets out of whack and overemphasizes skiing for the women and not for the men.
—
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Finally, advocates can respond to the argument that merit overemphasizes achievements and undervalues people.
—Kenji Yoshino, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Finally, advocates can respond to the argument that merit overemphasizes achievements and undervalues people.
—Kenji Yoshino, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasizes
Verb
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The same prime minister who exaggerates his power is also fine with being portrayed as the patsy of more influential actors.—
Aluf Benn,
Foreign Affairs,
10 Nov. 2025
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Tainy’s Prometheus — is portrayed by Feid, dressed in an oversized leather coat and lit in a manner that exaggerates his grills in an eerie way.—
Juan J. Arroyo,
Rolling Stone,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Northrop Grumman emphasizes that the aircraft’s integration with aerial refueling significantly extends its range, enabling longer missions and more efficient test sorties.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Apr. 2026
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Its elegant glam design emphasizes vibrant hues and sensual curvy lines.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The algorithm, and the economy that supports it, first escalates speech that overstates the emotions that underlie it.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
31 Mar. 2026
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Some medical experts, however, say Kennedy on occasion overstates the role that food can play in preventing and managing illnesses.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasizes. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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