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
-
The album has received considerable praise from critics as a late contender as one of the best albums of 2025, earning Allen some of the best reviews of her career so far.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Snoop’s praise climbed even higher.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
In the waning days of the pandemic, appreciation and recognition came from Los Angeles city and county officials, who, according to posts on Farzam’s Instagram, commended Farzam for operating Covid testing centers and hailed him as a leader and role model.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Praise abounded for the 36-year-old, with three fellow veterans commending Rojas not just for his play, but also for his demeanor.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Scammers use friendliness, flattery and false urgency to pull you in, then drain your accounts.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Kershaw, age 37, emerged from the bullpen in the 12th inning with the bases loaded and two outs, and got Nathan Lukes to ground out as Koufax stood and applauded.—
Steve Rushin,
The Atlantic,
2 Nov. 2025
-
International production location incentives now include mandates for skills development spending, which Weiss applauded for training young technicians.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The 65-year-old has received acclaim for roles such as Gloria Trillo on The Sopranos, earning her an Emmy nomination in 2001.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Despite examining one of the most notorious American serial killers in history (played here by Michael Chernus), this show, which has received wide critical acclaim, doesn’t directly depict any of Gacy’s crimes.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The president even congratulated him following the June 3 opening of his restaurant The Detroit Cowboy in Nashville.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Sharik and Jessica Burgess-Stride of Rotorua were finishing their wedding paperwork when actor Elijah Wood walked down the aisle to congratulate them.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In just 10 minutes, and with a few staples (onions, cheese, butter), this warm and comforting casserole can save the day.—
Krissy Tiglias,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Michael also whipped up a fancy compound butter.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share