1
as in to overemphasize
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 overplay
Guilherme Biro’s pass over the top to Owen Wolff, son of Sporting KC legend Josh Wolff, was overplayed by SKC’s Robert Voloder.
—
Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025
While there are risks for Democrats to overplay their hand in several blue states, members of the party warn there’s risk for their GOP counterparts in red states just the same.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 7 Sep. 2025
While Newsom’s posts are undoubtedly popular, political strategists like Ryan White warn Newsom could be overplaying his hand.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2025
For another, to overplay this legacy sequel as some kind of corrective would fundamentally contradict the ethos of a movie about the perils of living in the past.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overplay
Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025
While there are risks for Democrats to overplay their hand in several blue states, members of the party warn there’s risk for their GOP counterparts in red states just the same.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 7 Sep. 2025
While Newsom’s posts are undoubtedly popular, political strategists like Ryan White warn Newsom could be overplaying his hand.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2025
For another, to overplay this legacy sequel as some kind of corrective would fundamentally contradict the ethos of a movie about the perils of living in the past.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overplay
Verb
-
Leaders often overemphasize vision while neglecting those details.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Last year, Vancouver overemphasized size and physicality when building its second and third pairs, which led to a bottom four that was slow, lacked puck-moving skills, and was often hemmed in defensively.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
China rejects this view and has blasted Taipei for underplaying the role of Chinese Communists in defeating Imperial Japan.—
Jan Camenzind Broomby,
NPR,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Bader gives a sharp, subtle performance, underplaying in scenes where even an experienced actor might chomp down.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
To substitute sour cream for buttermilk, simply thin the sour cream to a thick but pourable consistency using milk or water (don't overdo it).—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
-
After Mauricio missed all of 2024 and had a slow return-to-play schedule this year, there is a balance between getting enough action versus overdoing it.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
One could easily be accused of overacting, of doing too much.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2025
-
There are few instances of someone overacting more in a movie, unnecessarily adding an undercurrent of murderous, jokey psychotic to an already bizarre creation.—
Mark Kennedy,
Boston Herald,
13 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Whether or not The Bitch of Buchenwald did what is reenacted on the show isn’t relevant, because her activities are placed in the context of a comic book that exaggerates history to make a point — just like Monster does.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Under these conditions, Democrats and Republicans tend to exaggerate the characteristics of the other party based on common stereotypes.—
Ron Barrett,
The Conversation,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The city has enacted a more aggressive policy stance to limit the impacts of tent and vehicle encampments — panned as draconian by some advocates — in conjunction with its heavy investment in interim housing solutions.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
-
In a dressing room, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end concentrates while practicing carrying his then-girlfriend during the Tortured Poets Department section of the three-hour show, with the scene cutting to the couple re-enacting it in full costume on stage.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But Dolly took to social media the same day as Stella to assure fans that reports of her ill-health have been greatly overstated.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Voskuhl also cautions against overstating benefits beyond symptom relief.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Family described Wilks as an only son who was acting out of his character, which is normally soft-spoken and well-mannered.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Day-Lewis often acted out dialogue, as speed typist Ronan took everything down on the computer.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overplay. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share