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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In the series, Gacy enjoyed talking about many of his accomplishments and exaggerating some of his stories.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
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Blumenthal apologized for exaggerating his military record in 2010 after an investigation by the New York Times.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Brand them for experience, emphasizing aroma and taste, not just potency.—
Jahan Marcu,
Rolling Stone,
23 Oct. 2025
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South Korea is committed to sharing this expertise with the US too, Lee said, emphasizing their bilateral relationship included economic, technological, and military cooperation.—
Will Ripley,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Harry How / Getty Images There is no overstating Shohei Ohtani’s importance to the Los Angeles Dodgers.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
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Voskuhl also cautions against overstating benefits beyond symptom relief.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After Mauricio missed all of 2024 and had a slow return-to-play schedule this year, there is a balance between getting enough action versus overdoing it.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
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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
Verb
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McCann responded to Inzunza’s proposal by stressing that the park’s development had been underway for three years and that extensive public outreach had already taken place.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Oct. 2025
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For cool-season grasses, trim off no more than two-thirds of the stems to avoid stressing these plants.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasizing. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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