overemphasize

verb

over·​em·​pha·​size ˌō-vər-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz 

overemphasized; overemphasizing

transitive verb

: to give excessive emphasis to (something)

overemphasize risks

We have overemphasized the differences between men and women.

—Zosia Bielski

… people feeling pushed into starting businesses … in a culture that overemphasizes entrepreneurialism.

—Derrick Penner

I can't overemphasize the importance of this turning point in my life.

—Genesse Gentry

We … cannot overemphasize how important it is to keep up with latest security fixes …

—Rene Gielen

The value of a good reputation cannot be overemphasized.

—J. Dwight Pentecost

It's hard to overemphasize how significant this development will be …

—Rich Smith

Examples of overemphasize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the opposite is true: one of the most effective ways to improve well-being isn't to overemphasize comfort. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

Writers, with our big egos and big imaginations, tend to overemphasize the impact of our books. —Maris Kreizman june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025

That’s why overemphasizing individual performance diminishes team performance. —Esmt Berlin, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

Drag Race can overemphasize the evolution a queen has gone through between seasons, but Aja has actually had one. —Chris Feil, Vulture, 9 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing overemphasize

• cannot overemphasize
• can't overemphasize
• hard to overemphasize

Rhymes for overemphasize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise