1
as in heated
being in a state of increased activity or agitation
became overwrought when she heard that her child was missing
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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
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Recent Examples of overwrought
The last act of The Stranger follows the young man through his imprisonment, trial and the weeks leading up to his execution, including a long and somewhat overwrought conversation with a priest (Swann Arlaud) hoping to read the inmate his last rites.
—
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
The real truth is that no one should care about what reactionary, overwrought critics have to say.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 5 Aug. 2025
But for all this time, Republicans have proven unwilling to withstand overwrought attacks about wanting to kill Big Bird.
—The Editors, National Review, 19 July 2025
Jeffrey Harris, a former prosecutor with the Southern District of New York, said jurors might have agreed that the prosecution’s case was overwrought from the start.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwrought
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
The real truth is that no one should care about what reactionary, overwrought critics have to say.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 5 Aug. 2025
But for all this time, Republicans have proven unwilling to withstand overwrought attacks about wanting to kill Big Bird.
—The Editors, National Review, 19 July 2025
Jeffrey Harris, a former prosecutor with the Southern District of New York, said jurors might have agreed that the prosecution’s case was overwrought from the start.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwrought
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwrought
Adjective
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There are heated confrontations and a slap, and Alma ruins her shot at tenure after stealing a colleague's prescription pad to get more pain meds.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Oct. 2025
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Guest rooms are a chic combination of old world charm and modern luxury, with generously sized marble bathrooms with heated floors and rain showers.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The ornate gold piece, which features 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, was damaged in the heist, according to French TV station TF1 and newspaper Le Parisien.—
Caitlin Danaher,
CNN Money,
19 Oct. 2025
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The elegant lobby, with its soaring ceilings, ornate drapery, and Old-World-era vibes, is worth a visit in its own right.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Both backs seemed excited about employing more pony looks.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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He could also be seen nodding his approval after the dance — and earning a thunderous round of excited shouts from the audience.—
Stephanie Wenger,
PEOPLE,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Indie rock veered away from the more ornate, baroque pocket that Grizzly Bear dominated, with indie rock bands in the late 2010s and early 2020s going more pop, country, or shoegaze.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
10 Oct. 2025
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From baroque palaces to Bauhaus, Germany offers a journey through centuries of creativity, innovation, and imagination.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In a September 15 TikTok video posted by user @belmelly, a dog sat in the backseat of a vehicle, agitated and barking nonstop.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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Two passengers later described him as agitated and angry.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Critics said Trump had pushed for the extravagant parade not to commemorate the armed forces, but as a display of his own vanity.—
NPR,
NPR,
19 Oct. 2025
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While some may view it as extravagant goods and high-end services, others see it as occasional splurges, unique experiences and good health.—
Maddie McGay,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwrought.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwrought. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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