as in to exaggerate
to treat (something) with more importance than is needed or proper
The teacher tends to overemphasize the value of tests. The importance of a healthy diet cannot be overemphasized.
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Recent Examples of overemphasize
Today, management books and the media overemphasize the individual leader, but ignoring team dynamics creates dysfunction and slows progress.
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Sarah Elk, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
Lately, there’s increasing chatter among aesthetic doctors on social about the true impact of volume loss on the aging face, with some surgeons arguing that deflation has been overemphasized—and, thus, fillers overused—when, in fact, tissue laxity and descent tend to be greater contributors.
—Jolene Edgar, Allure, 24 Sep. 2024
And colleges may actually be discouraging deeper engagement among alums by overemphasizing fundraising.
—Jamie Merisotis, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024
Yet these landscapes and memorials are spatially exaggerated through the 3D footage, with its tendency to overemphasize foregrounds.
—Kito Nedo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overemphasize 
Sarah Elk, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
Lately, there’s increasing chatter among aesthetic doctors on social about the true impact of volume loss on the aging face, with some surgeons arguing that deflation has been overemphasized—and, thus, fillers overused—when, in fact, tissue laxity and descent tend to be greater contributors.
—Jolene Edgar, Allure, 24 Sep. 2024
And colleges may actually be discouraging deeper engagement among alums by overemphasizing fundraising.
—Jamie Merisotis, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024
Yet these landscapes and memorials are spatially exaggerated through the 3D footage, with its tendency to overemphasize foregrounds.
—Kito Nedo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overemphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize
Verb
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That assumption has led some health-care providers to exaggerate the addictive risk of drugs such as Valium and Klonopin, which are used to treat anxiety, among other things.Richard A. Friedman, The Atlantic, 29 Nov. 2024
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But critics say focusing nearly exclusively on recycling exaggerates the effect that can have and distracts from more fundamental solutions to plastic pollution.Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Collison also emphasized that areas with deteriorating or no sidewalks, commonly in low-income neighborhoods, shouldn’t be left out of redevelopment.Daryl Perry, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024
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Holistic Employee Well-Being Many organizations emphasize the importance of work-life balance, mental health support and a positive work environment, but these initiatives frequently fall short.Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Beauty had overstated its revenue, leading investors to sell off shares in the company.Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2024
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Marco Bello | Reuters Any risks that the U.S. presidential election poses to the market may actually be overstated, according to Citi.Jesse Pound,Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Mist with water daily to further keep the greenery moist and extend its freshness, but be careful not to overdo it on this green’s delicate leaves.Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2024
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The character is in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, and without overdoing it, Ford reveals his shakiness, both physically — his hands tremble slightly at various moments, a reminder of how his body is starting to betray him — and emotionally.Jen Chaney, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near overemphasize
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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