1
as in heated
being in a state of increased activity or agitation
became overwrought when she heard that her child was missing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ornate
elaborately and often excessively decorated
the author's prose is overwrought with purple passages and florid metaphors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overwrought
Fears of a Democratic shutout in June’s top-two primary and a fluky Republican being elected — which were always overwrought — have faded dramatically.
—
Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
Their earliest and biggest target has been Dax, a 32-year-old janitor-turned-rapper from Canada who spits overwrought motivational lyrics over rudimentary beats.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026
And rather than looking constricted in overwrought ensembles, the actors appeared comfortable in their own skin.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
Sponsors of the Florida legislation said the issues raised by opponents were overwrought.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwrought
Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
Their earliest and biggest target has been Dax, a 32-year-old janitor-turned-rapper from Canada who spits overwrought motivational lyrics over rudimentary beats.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026
And rather than looking constricted in overwrought ensembles, the actors appeared comfortable in their own skin.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
Sponsors of the Florida legislation said the issues raised by opponents were overwrought.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwrought
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwrought
Adjective
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The primary suite delivers dual spa baths, heated floors, custom closets, and a private balcony, while floor-to-ceiling glass windows, expansive terraces, and canyon and city views create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
18 June 2026
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Patrick Clancy Go Fund Me There were some heated moments in the hearing, as lawyers sparred over whether Lindsay Clancy's parents and sister should be allowed in the courtroom before they're called to testify.—
Kristina Rex,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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The walls are chockablock with paintings of former presidents in heavily ornate gold frames.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
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The film has a very specific, ornate visual style.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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While much has been made of the eight-floor Obama Presidential Museum, many in the communities around the soon-to-open presidential library complex are excited to enjoy the outdoor spaces with friends and family.—
Shardaa Gray,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
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Libraries open opportunities to get excited and relax, discover and reminisce, be challenged and comforted.—
Darcel Rockett,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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During the Grand Tour era in the 18th century, poets, painters, and aristocrats flocked here to admire the city’s ancient ruins and baroque art and architecture—still valid reasons to visit now, though today’s travelers will find plenty of modern pleasures as well.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Robb Report,
4 June 2026
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This trendy spot sits inside a historic baroque house in the heart of Vienna, tucked within the boutique hotel The Leo Grand.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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According to witnesses interviewed by local police, Hall became agitated after taking a significant quantity of drugs.—
Julia Moore,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
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That was intentional, as a smiling Caballero admitted to enjoying the moment after the warning left him perplexed and agitated.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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Members of the monarchy wave from carriages, aristocrats don faintly cartoonish top hats and extravagant millinery threatens to obscure the view at every turn.—
Sheena McKenzie,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
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The speakeasy-style room glows with a gold-leaf ceiling, ochre velvet sofas, and an extravagant cocktail menu.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overwrought.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwrought. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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