OVERPLAY Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

overplay

verb

Definition of overplay

as in to overemphasize

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Dissimilar Words

as in to underplay

Related 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 overplay Asked about the risk of overplaying one of the NHL’s marquee blueliners, Wild coach John Hynes said there is little concern about Hughes’ workload. — Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026 Best of all, the Tony nominee smartly resists overplaying the joke, grounding the part enough that Brad's unraveling becomes funnier. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 Lue has tried to stagger their minutes to not overplay them. — Janis Carr, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026 Advertisement China might overplay its hand—that remains a real danger. — Kerry Brown, Time, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overplay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overplay

Verb

Get and Accept Support The benefits of support from not only your medical team but also loved ones during your cancer journey cannot be overemphasized.

— Joy Emeh, HEALTH, 22 Aug. 2026
Almost everybody overemphasizes buying the technology and chasing the easy-to-measure things, headcount reduction among them.

— Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of overemphasize

Verb

On the other hand, its artistic approach and wider story arc underplay the horror of WW1 combat.

— Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
In a lot of ways, Abrams’ underplay show at the storied club, billed as a free evening with the star, was more than just a celebration of her new album Daughter From Hell or practice for her upcoming tour.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026

Definition of underplay

Verb

But Montgomery cautions against overdoing it with vinegar as a weed control method.

— Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 22 Aug. 2026
From two-tone cardigans for dinner and straw hats for family beach days to her signature breezy button-downs, Markle’s getaway style is a master class in looking polished without overdoing it.

— Amanda Le, InStyle, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of overdo

Verb

Deloitte pins the unimagined cascade effect at an additional $541 billion and did not add it to the final estimate to avoid overstating the size of the lunar economy.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Kiyosaki may also have overstated Kimi’s importance in his life.

— Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of overstate

Verb

Traditional Rocky Horror movie showings include a costumed cast acting out the events on screen, with bags of props handed out for audience participation during certain scenes.

— Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Garcia lends the whole song theater-kid interpretation, essentially acting out the lyrics in pantomime, grasping out in front of her, clutching her face.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026