Synonyms of overwrought

overwrought

adjective

ˌō-vər-ˈrȯt 

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

• heated
• excited
• agitated
• hectic
• upset
• frenzied
• overactive
• hyperactive
• troubled
• feverish
• in a lather
• nervous
• overexcited
• anxious
• uneasy
• keyed up
• uptight
• perturbed
• hyper
• tense
• high-strung
• hyperexcited
• jittery
• jumpy
• wired
• dithery
• edgy
• nervy
• aquiver
• unquiet
• hyped-up
• afire
• aflutter
• atingle
• het up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• composed
• collected
• calm
• serene
• cool
• tranquil
• undisturbed
• unperturbed
• placid
• untroubled
• unshaken
• unworried
• coolheaded

2

as in ornate

elaborately and often excessively decorated

the author's prose is overwrought with purple passages and florid metaphors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ornate
• baroque
• extravagant
• loud
• florid
• decorated
• overdecorated
• adorned
• gilded
• gingerbread
• fussy
• ornamented
• bedizened
• lacy
• showy
• tawdry
• gingerbready
• gaudy
• spectacular
• rococo
• garish
• gingerbreaded
• pretentious
• dressed
• elaborate
• flamboyant
• glitzy
• enriched
• ostentatious
• trimmed
• arabesque
• flashy
• extreme
• intensified
• laced
• swank
• embroidered
• frilly
• enhanced
• heightened
• splashy
• embellished
• decked
• flowery
• garnished
• bejeweled
• arrayed
• fringed
• bedecked
• sequined
• bedaubed
• garlanded
• embossed
• wreathed
• chased
• beautified
• emblazoned
• flounced
• bossed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• severe
• plain
• austere
• unadorned
• stark
• naked
• bare
• stripped
• simple
• exposed
• modest
• uncovered
• unassuming
• unpretentious
• restrained
• conservative
• denuded
• subdued
• understated
• quiet
• tasteful
• muted
• unobtrusive
• toned-down

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of overwrought

But the action is so dependent on overwrought dialogue, red herrings, titillating close-ups, and a barrage of throwback songs that the story constantly takes a backseat. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026

One plays on the name of the crew’s hangout, Hamburger Hamlet, drawing Murphy-ish parallels between the characters and Shakespeare’s tragic personages that are so overwrought, they can’t be salvaged by self-awareness. — Judy Berman, Time, 5 Aug. 2026

While Ackman argues that those who don’t participate in capitalism will turn to socialism, Britt believes dire warnings about the anger of the masses are overwrought. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 23 July 2026

No premature judgment and no overwrought sympathy here. — Bob Wojnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026