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
-
Colfer earned praise and a Golden Globe award for his sensitive portrayal of Kurt's journey, which included several timely bullying storylines.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Sanoja said hearing that praise from Suarez, a two-time All-Star, was a confidence booster for him.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Despite how difficult sitting through the case was, the jurors commended Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez for her fairness — and lead prosecutor Abbe Rifkin for fighting so hard for Quatisha.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
-
At a news conference after the hearing, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney apologized to the families of the victims and commended the authorities who ultimately caught Heuermann.—
Matt Lavietes,
NBC news,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Our actual political landscape, in which government officials are adding journalists to top-secret group chats or running around in wrong-sized shoes as a form of flattery, has too far superseded anything even the most cutting jokester could ever have dreamed up.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2026
-
But if online flattery is an accurate indicator, more Goodness Land would be a gift to Mediterranean food aficionados in the neighborhood.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But even some of TMZ’s usual detractors have applauded its pivot to name-and-shame political coverage.—
Paula Mejía,
New Yorker,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce applauded the funding increase in a release.—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
His musical would go on to receive critical acclaim and commercial success.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
12 Apr. 2026
-
As one of the world’s preeminent art museums, the Prado hosts rotating exhibitions that always draw acclaim.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The morning show host congratulated Sophia and Isabella — who went to different high schools — on their accomplishments with individual social media posts.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Orbán, who has led Hungary for 16 years, conceded and congratulated Magyar less than three hours after polls closed.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The parathas, as the savory flatbreads are called, stuffed with onion and paneer and coated with a generous amount of butter, are as delicious as ever.—
Mithil Aggarwal,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
-
While not technically a lunch spot, popping by this French-Asian bakery on Duke Street for a slice of their honey butter toast is always a good idea.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
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 18 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
