overwrought

adjective

ˌō-vər-ˈrȯt How to pronounce overwrought (audio)
Definition of overwroughtnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for overwrought
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwrought
  1. heated
  2. ornate
  3. excited
  4. baroque
  5. agitated
  6. extravagant
Adjective
  • Astra is making investors feel better about OpenAI's technical prowess in its heated battle against Anthropic and a gaggle of open-source competitors.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Some heated on-pitch rivalries persist at the negotiating table, though.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of heated
Adjective
  • Many of the 76 rooms and suites include private terraces overlooking Gran Via with the upper floor rooms facing the ornate gold dome of the Metropolis, one of Madrid’s most famous buildings.
    — Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Maximalist Garden Design Similar to interior design, the Rococo aesthetic, with its ornate and romantic details, is taking over garden design.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of ornate
Adjective
  • This offseason, that group added a second-round pick to the group in Max Klare and got excited about a Year-2 breakout for Terrance Ferguson.
    — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • In the kitchen, Shannon cries because Vicki, who was so excited about this trip, has basically gone nonverbal.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of excited
Adjective
  • Dutch interior designer Wim van de Oudeweetering gave the interiors their distinctive, almost baroque character, layering rich fabrics, patterned walls, jewel tones, and theatrical details throughout.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara features open-heart motifs set with diamonds and 19 baroque pearls beneath.
    — Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of baroque
Adjective
  • Following instructions from the kidnappers (unbeknownst to his increasingly agitated comrades), Lee drives out to meet them for the exchange, only to wreck his car and become distracted saving a nearby woman, Hua (Moon Lee).
    — Jake Cole, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
  • During the interview at TMZ‘s offices, West grew increasingly agitated, pacing the newsroom while discussing opioid use and liposuction.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of agitated
Adjective
  • But the love enduring at their center feels so profoundly misguided that even this extravagant tribute, arriving more than 150 years later, cannot entirely defend it.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
  • While some celebrity weddings are extravagant events, others are all about flying under the radar.
    — Mariah Alanskas, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of extravagant

Browse Nearby Words

overworks
overwrought
ovoid
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Cite this Entry

“Overwrought.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwrought. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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