1
as in overemphasizing
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Dissimilar Words
2
as in underplaying
Related Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overplaying
Verb
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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
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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Other countries, meanwhile, are enacting new laws to limit social media for children.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
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The Los Angeles Times has carried out multiple rounds of layoffs in recent years, most recently enacting another 6% reduction to its newsroom in mid-2025.—
Suzy Khimm,
NBC news,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The administration has repeatedly downplayed the benefits of immunization, while exaggerating the importance of nutritional supplementation for combatting measles.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
27 Jan. 2026
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Allegations that are now spreading online could be misinterpreting records or exaggerating minor issues — or could be exposing actual fraudulent activity.—
Jude Joffe-Block,
NPR,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The plaintiffs claim the administration is acting out of racial animus.—
Miami Herald Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
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Read on to find out why your child may be acting out, and when to seek help.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
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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In addition to recentering the story, the new show shies away from violence on screen, so as to avoid sensationalizing Gacy.—
Lex Goldstein,
PEOPLE,
13 Nov. 2025
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Notoriety trailed Woodhull through her life, but, rather than sensationalizing her scandals, Collinsworth highlights Woodhull’s flair for reinvention, and her drive to set the terms by which she would be remembered.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This approach avoids measurement errors introduced by elastic components while still mimicking biological energy storage and return.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
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Each stimulus was paired with laser stimulation of a brain region called the amygdala, mimicking a dopamine hit.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Overplaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overplaying. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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