as in praise
excessive praise
the piano instructor believes in encouraging her students but avoids any overpraise that might make them complacent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to praise
to praise too much
proud parents are likely to overpraise their children for their earnest efforts at making handicrafts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 overpraise
Christine Michel Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Know-nothings pretend that Schrader’s Bressonian mannerisms reveal the spiritual depths of contemporary crisis, when, in fact, Master Gardener repeats the same social-collapse paranoia that made secular reviewers overpraise the religious, racial, suicide-bomber topics of First Reformed.
—Armond White, National Review, 24 May 2023
He’s overpraised of course.
—Nick Laird, The New York Review of Books, 16 Mar. 2023
As in the case of that picture, East of Eden is backed up by masterful screen storytelling that can hardly be overpraised and is complicated by no message that can be termed controversial.
—Jack Moffitt, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2023
Our praise reflex leans toward the superlative in this dank information age, an era when the only artists who transcend the digital noise seem to be the ones whose music gets overpraised on social media for being the most this or the best that.
—Chris Richards, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2023
Vincent Canby’s review in The New York Times seemed hesitant to overpraise the film, which was based on James Leo Herlihy’s 1965 novel of the same name.
—New York Times, 2 June 2021
Verb
The result is sometimes overpraising, overprotection, and overindulging children, mixing emotional intensity with economic privilege in ways that breed entitlement.
—Christine Michel Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Know-nothings pretend that Schrader’s Bressonian mannerisms reveal the spiritual depths of contemporary crisis, when, in fact, Master Gardener repeats the same social-collapse paranoia that made secular reviewers overpraise the religious, racial, suicide-bomber topics of First Reformed.
—Armond White, National Review, 24 May 2023
He’s overpraised of course.
—Nick Laird, The New York Review of Books, 16 Mar. 2023
As in the case of that picture, East of Eden is backed up by masterful screen storytelling that can hardly be overpraised and is complicated by no message that can be termed controversial.
—Jack Moffitt, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2023
Our praise reflex leans toward the superlative in this dank information age, an era when the only artists who transcend the digital noise seem to be the ones whose music gets overpraised on social media for being the most this or the best that.
—Chris Richards, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2023
Vincent Canby’s review in The New York Times seemed hesitant to overpraise the film, which was based on James Leo Herlihy’s 1965 novel of the same name.
—New York Times, 2 June 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpraise
Noun
-
Of his first impressions of his future wife, Plemons had nothing but praise.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Orange juice often gets praise for its immune-supporting vitamin C content.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro commended Springer for playing through his injury.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Some food activists have commended the move.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Similar veiled olive branches have been extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin—but only after months of flattery and praise strangely directed at Putin by his American counterpart.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Several applauded Clark’s transparency and sincerity.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Related Stories Kate McFarlane, one of LaBella’s attorneys, applauded the judge’s decision.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Dean is one of the most promising singer-songwriters of 2025, earning critical acclaim for her new album, The Art of Loving.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Mario Cuomo, born in Queens, rose from a legal assistant to governor, earning national acclaim for his 1984 Democratic Convention keynote address and his leadership during his three terms.—
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Ole Miss coach wanted to shake his hand and congratulate him.—
Seth Emerson,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
-
West, in an interview, congratulated Dokes on her decision to run and welcomed her to the race.—
Ella McCarthy,
Arkansas Online,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Almond butter is known for its rich, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness; and its texture can range from silky to slightly gritty, depending on how long it's been ground.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Additives can include sugar, sodium, and butter.—
Amber J. Tresca,
Verywell Health,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Her voice, languid and honeyed, can glide over sensual R&B, bouncing reggaetón, shimmering pop or nostalgic jazz.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Those harmonies — simultaneously honeyed and gravelly, providing just enough support without overshadowing, yet so powerful and full of potential — echoes Whitten.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
2 July 2024
Cite this Entry
“Overpraise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpraise. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share