as in exaggeration
the representation of something in terms that go beyond the facts
a claim to worldwide fame is a bit of an overstatement on the part of that nightclub
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 overstatement
That sort of flamboyant overstatement became central to Turner’s personal brand—and made for irresistible copy in the dailies.
—
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 May 2026
In clinical trials, acronyms can also invite overstatement.
—Clarissa Brincat, Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
That is probably an overstatement.
—Jack Hamilton, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
The SaaSpocalypse may be an overstatement.
—Michael Jacobides, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
That appears to be an overstatement.
—Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
That might sound like an overstatement of Murray’s abilities.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2026
Rather than feeling stuck between silence and overstatement, the most effective leaders are taking a more intentional approach.
—Teresa Hopke, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
With job growth averaging just shy of 40,000 in that period, an overstatement that size would equate to payroll losses of about 20,000 per month.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 May 2026
In clinical trials, acronyms can also invite overstatement.
—Clarissa Brincat, Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
That is probably an overstatement.
—Jack Hamilton, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
The SaaSpocalypse may be an overstatement.
—Michael Jacobides, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
That appears to be an overstatement.
—Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
That might sound like an overstatement of Murray’s abilities.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2026
Rather than feeling stuck between silence and overstatement, the most effective leaders are taking a more intentional approach.
—Teresa Hopke, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
With job growth averaging just shy of 40,000 in that period, an overstatement that size would equate to payroll losses of about 20,000 per month.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overstatement
Noun
-
And no, that isn’t an exaggeration.—
Rod Stafford Hagwood,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Even referring to it as a national convention was an exaggeration, since any Stanley get‑together in Dallas would have been a regional rally with, at most, a few hundred salespeople.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Gangsta rap’s effectiveness as a prosecutorial tool, like the minstrel shows before it, depends on audiences mistaking caricature for authenticity, and hinges on hearing artistic expression as documentary evidence of criminal actions.—
A.D. Carson,
The Conversation,
6 May 2026
-
Sacramento City Unified School District is looking to change a high school mascot which depicts a racial caricature that is offensive to the Indigenous community.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Behind all the cheerful fanfare, holidays can be bitter pills to swallow, reminders of absence and lack and an inability to live up to all that happy hyperbole.—
Felicia Feaster,
AJC.com,
9 May 2026
-
The New York Yankees did not stand a chance against the hardest-throwing starting pitcher of all time -- and that is not a hyperbole.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overstatement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overstatement. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
