as in exaggerating
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 overemphasizing
Still, experts warn that there is such a thing as overemphasizing the data and getting bogged down by less-than-optimal scores.
—
Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 1 Oct. 2025
Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasizing
Verb
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The show, in exaggerating adolescence—in remaking that consequential phase as a fantasy and a melodrama—also managed to honor it.—
Megan Garber,
The Atlantic,
12 Feb. 2026
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Companies are exaggerating their AI capabilities to raise their value and, in turn, creating a host of problems for executives and employees alike.—
Devika Rao,
TheWeek,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Photographer Alina Vlady echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that a phone-free ceremony protects the couple’s experience.—
Nikita Khanna,
Vogue,
5 Feb. 2026
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Trump in his remarks boasted of returning religion back to the center of American politics and culture, emphasizing efforts to support prayer in school, policies targeting transgender people and the creation of a White House faith office, among other actions.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Some scientists, though, warn that overstating the dangers of sport could put children off it, and that participation’s health benefits outweigh the risks.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Win-win might be overstating the outcome.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This week’s roundup breaks down what to know about vitamin D dosing, simple ways to support heart health, and better sleep without overdoing it.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
9 Feb. 2026
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Rooms are furnished comfortably in the expected Southwestern decor, but avoid overdoing it thanks to restrained, contemporary hands.—
Asonta Benetti,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But stressing about the impact of aging on your health can actually work against your goal of having a longer healthspan, according to new research.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
16 Feb. 2026
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One of the things the Rockies are stressing with all of their pitchers is getting ahead in counts, something the Rockies failed to do much of the time during their 119-loss 2025 season.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasizing. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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