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.
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 overemphasizing
Paternalistic tactics, such as overemphasizing IUDs and implants, undermined young people’s reproductive health preferences and goals.
—
Riley J. Steiner, STAT, 20 Apr. 2026
Still, overemphasizing national trend lines fails to acknowledge how new converts can change a community.
—Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
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
Riley J. Steiner, STAT, 20 Apr. 2026
Still, overemphasizing national trend lines fails to acknowledge how new converts can change a community.
—Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasizing
Verb
-
Apple just settled a class-action lawsuit for exaggerating the AI capabilities of its newest iPhones.—
Vitaliy Katsenelson,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
-
The league decided to introduce postgame flop fines in the 2012-13 season where plays were reviewed after games and those individuals were fined for exaggerating contact.—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
But even some online sports wagering platforms are open to users starting at 18, including Fliff, which doesn’t require users to pay to participate, emphasizing the entertainment value instead.—
Kaitlyn Huamani,
Fortune,
28 May 2026
-
But even some online sports wagering platforms are open to users starting at 18, including Fliff, which doesn't require users to pay to participate, emphasizing the entertainment value instead.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Jones also served as bank president in 2008-2009, Gaia said, when the previous president was fired after being accused of overstating the bank’s earnings during the financial crisis.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
27 May 2026
-
With respect to Slaten, overstating your credentials may seem relatively insignificant but a judge should not have such tendencies.—
Rafael Perez,
Daily News,
25 May 2026
Verb
-
Right now, its digital shelves are stocked with purses from Michael Kors, a label known for structured silhouettes, quality craftsmanship, and a polished aesthetic that delivers glam without overdoing it.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 May 2026
-
There are real downsides to overdoing it, particularly when the extra protein comes from red meat and saturated fats.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
That proved unfeasible, with FIFA at the time stressing the fixtures would go ahead as originally announced in December.—
Henry Bushnell,
New York Times,
23 May 2026
-
Tiffany Acosta Forget stressing over expensive flights or fancy resorts.—
Arizona Republic,
AZCentral.com,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasizing. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
