overdramatize

verb

over·​dra·​ma·​tize ˌō-vər-ˈdra-mə-ˌtīz How to pronounce overdramatize (audio)
-ˈdrä-
overdramatized; overdramatizing

transitive verb

: to present or represent (something) in an overly dramatic manner
Don't overdramatize the situation.
an overdramatized account
The seriousness of this problem … has been vastly overrated and overdramatized.Chris Welles
The stories, he says, sensationalize or overdramatize the family's troubles …James Laube
overdramatization noun
plural overdramatizations
As a child, I found Anne's plights and scrapes so worrisome, but as an adult I laugh out loud at her overdramatization of everything. Laurie Gelman

Examples of overdramatize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Topics get twisted and overdramatized so fast that the discussion of the original issues and concerns goes right off the rails. Lori Nickel, Journal Sentinel, 2 June 2023 Produced by Howard Hall Productions and Oceanic Research Group, the film was also created by couple, co-director Howard and producer Michele Hall, to show an accurate depiction of the ocean that doesn’t overdramatize predation. Maddie Browning, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overdramatize was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near overdramatize

Cite this Entry

“Overdramatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdramatize. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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