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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 overemphasize
First, a person starts to overemphasize their wins, leading them to gamble more.
—
Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025
Likewise, critics often overemphasize the role of Aung San Suu Kyi’s personal traits while minimizing the structural and situational factors that have influenced her decisions.
—Tej Parikh, Foreign Affairs, 19 May 2017
Ignoring character, or believing it’s already addressed, leads to the danger of overemphasizing integrity and accountability while neglecting humanity and humility, for example.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
It really can’t be overemphasized how good Erivo and Grande sound together, so forgive me for bringing it up again.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025
Likewise, critics often overemphasize the role of Aung San Suu Kyi’s personal traits while minimizing the structural and situational factors that have influenced her decisions.
—Tej Parikh, Foreign Affairs, 19 May 2017
Ignoring character, or believing it’s already addressed, leads to the danger of overemphasizing integrity and accountability while neglecting humanity and humility, for example.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
It really can’t be overemphasized how good Erivo and Grande sound together, so forgive me for bringing it up again.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize
Verb
-
Distorted and exaggerated by Weegee’s hand—with grins set in a chilling rictus, or eyes and noses spread wide and pancaked—these idols became monsters.—
Naomi Fry,
The New Yorker,
22 Feb. 2025
-
Moral panics are created when politicians exaggerate a public concern to manipulate real fears people may have.—
Brittany Friedman,
The Conversation,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
To Begin Developing This Trait: Practice presenting data to different audiences, and emphasize the human element of change management.—
Ben Jones,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Whitaker emphasized that a key part of his role would be pushing NATO members to meet Trump's demand to invest at least 5% of their GDP in defense.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
There is reason to believe, however, that the economic benefits of golden visas programs are overstated.—
Madeline Fitzgerald,
Quartz,
3 Mar. 2025
-
However, the report suggests those hardships were overstated as their parent companies and affiliates were raking in billions.—
Mark Joseph,
Newsweek,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Virgin doesn’t do buffets, and all restaurants (which are included in the fare) offered alcohol pairings with low-ABV or non-alcoholic options, giving me a way to enjoy the flavors without overdoing it.—
Josh Rivera,
USA TODAY,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Disinfect only when necessary Don’t overdo it with bleach and other strong disinfectants.—
Matt Fuchs,
TIME,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share