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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overwrought
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
The narrative is deliberately overwrought and overwritten.
—Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
And any fear—and hence bigger discounts—caused by overwrought debt worries just makes our opportunity even sweeter.
—Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwrought
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
The narrative is deliberately overwrought and overwritten.
—Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
And any fear—and hence bigger discounts—caused by overwrought debt worries just makes our opportunity even sweeter.
—Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwrought
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwrought
Adjective
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In the summer, mountain temperatures have risen to 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) and left reindeer over-heated and unable to graze enough to gain the weight needed to sustain them in winter.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Sep. 2025
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At an afterparty, the two men became involved in a heated exchange, Wright told the grand jury.—
Gina Barton,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Everything was based on research from various archives from different locations, and some of the pictures from the Black Victorians were of these beautiful women who just had these beautiful, ornate dresses.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Sep. 2025
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Echoes of the Age of Discovery linger at Belém Tower and the ornate Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Plus, the service lost subscribers last quarter—a show people are excited about could lure back some whose bundles expired.—
Toni Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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Like her popular work with Timberland, which includes glossy, patent leather versions of the brand’s boots and a 14-inch heel, Carter’s Nike debut wasn’t afraid to take chances, which has us even more excited for what’s to come next from the collaboration.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The imposing gothic details of Victor’s castle-laboratory—a portentous warrior-angel statue that comes to life, a screaming Medusa rondel carved in stone—vibrate with gloomy baroque majesty.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
30 Aug. 2025
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More than 47 miles of trails feature quintessential Gozitan buildings, such as baroque churches and Punic-age ruins, as well as geological marvels like Wied il-Mielaħ and the deep-cut Għasri Valley.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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As officers tried to determine if he was connected to the disturbance, Cusick allegedly became agitated and produced a firearm, Depue said earlier.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
3 Sep. 2025
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The phenomenon is caused by a chemical reaction the algae produce when they are agitated or disturbed — if they are grabbed by a predator, for example, or experience a surge of movement from a wave or swimmer.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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What to expect Vaughn said the boutique has something for everyone with dress sizes ranging from zero to 28 and a variety of styles from short and simple to long and extravagant.—
Emma George-Griffin,
Freep.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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As the dust settles on another chaotic summer of extravagant Premier League spending, there’s time to take a step back.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwrought.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwrought. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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