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

Above all, the overwrought thirty-two-dollar packet of luxury strikes a discordant note in a restaurant that seems, in every other way, to have no need for such clunky signifiers. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 26 July 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

Keep accessories and outer layers minimal; a shoulder or bucket bag, jean jacket, or cardigan will keep this ‘fit from feeling overwrought. — Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 18 June 2026