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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Christopher Carnahan, a Los Angeles police officer who was accused of skydiving and working out while also collecting disability benefits by exaggerating an on-duty work injury, was charged with two counts of felony insurance fraud, prosecutors said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
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Historically, some doctors have dismissed these differences as women exaggerating their pain or being unable to tolerate the same discomfort as men.—
Aria Bendix,
NBC news,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This is neutral, velvety black with extreme shine, emphasizing health and reflection to create depth that feels fluid rather than harsh.—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
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Tobin voiced a need to not just add pass rush but fill a significant leadership void on that side of the ball, as well as emphasizing positional versatility.—
Paul Dehner Jr,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Van Lent and other staffers didn’t think that the reservoir was bad, but that the foundation and the governor were overstating its benefits.—
Michael Adno,
Rolling Stone,
3 Mar. 2026
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The broader concern critics have raised is that tech companies may be overstating the autonomy of their robots for marketing, investment, or competitive reasons.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The actor says creating Dutton's persona reflects what Grimes liked watching while growing up, namely actors who told a story without overdoing it, with still excellence, like Paul Newman.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
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These botanicals work alongside modern actives such as salicylic acid and probiotics, helping keep buildup in check without overdoing it.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Bankers are stressing that Press Ganey, which conducts patient satisfaction surveys for healthcare providers, is a safer bet because Medicare requires that data for reimbursements.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
2 Mar. 2026
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Earlier this month, a multi-party parliamentary commission recommended a series of reforms, including the reintegration of PKK members who renounce violence, while stressing that legal steps should be tied to state security institutions verifying that the group has surrendered its weapons.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasizing. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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