overwrought

adjective

over·​wrought ˌō-vər-ˈrȯt 

ˌō-və-

1

: extremely excited : agitated

2

: elaborated to excess : overdone

Synonyms

• agitated
• excited
• feverish
• frenzied
• heated
• hectic
• hyperactive
• overactive

Examples of overwrought in a Sentence

The witness became overwrought as she described the crime.

became overwrought when she heard that her child was missing

Recent Examples on the Web

The moment feels false and overwrought in a movie that otherwise is a model of restraint. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024

For some readers, such accolades read as insincere or overwrought. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025

But removed from the battle, its grave tone and sepulchral mood feel bizarre and overwrought. —Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025

Any such concerns may be too overwrought; the Houston Rockets’ young nucleus of Alperen Şengün, Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. has emerged from sustained losing early in their careers, thanks in part to the additions of hard-nosed veterans Dillon Brooks, Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams. —Josh Robbins, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

past participle of overwork

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overwrought

• aeronaut
• aforethought
• afterthought
• apricot
• argonaut
• astronaut
• camelot
• coffeepot
• concordat
• cosmonaut
• entrepot
• flowerpot

Kids Definition

overwrought

adjective

over·​wrought ˌō-və(r)-ˈrȯt 

1

: extremely excited : agitated

overwrought feelings

2

: decorated too much : overdone