1
as in to overemphasize
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Recent Examples of overplay
In lesser hands, this could have proved cartoonish or even unbearable, but Ethan Hawke is theatrical in the best way possible, commanding the screen with his every gesture and utterance without overplaying any of them.
—
David Opie, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2025
The year 2024 could be a tipping point for credit rating agency (CRA) influence after overplayed the sovereign credit rating card.
—Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
So, what is left to protect the nation from any force that would overplay its hand.
—Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2025
There are moments when the performers overplay the humor, suspense and moral outrage.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overplay
David Opie, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2025
The year 2024 could be a tipping point for credit rating agency (CRA) influence after overplayed the sovereign credit rating card.
—Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
So, what is left to protect the nation from any force that would overplay its hand.
—Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2025
There are moments when the performers overplay the humor, suspense and moral outrage.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overplay
Verb
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Erik Spoelstra, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo recognized Butler’s impact but didn’t want to overemphasize the meaning of Tuesday.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
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In overemphasizing antics to justify its existence, Another Simple Favor nearly forgets the connection between the two women that started it all.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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To describe the United States’ military interventions as mishandled, for example, is to criminally underplay their impact.—
Emma Ashford,
Foreign Affairs,
29 May 2020
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And David Rosenberg subtly underplays Alex, an American ex-pat who’s haunted by ghosts of his own.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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But don’t overdo it—a study in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found three sets of 30 seconds of rolling daily is enough to improve symptoms.—
Cindy Kuzma,
SELF,
4 Apr. 2025
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Washing items with fabric softener can also help with wrinkle prevention, but don't overdo it.—
Katelyn Squiers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The college student performers from the Hartt School aren’t encouraged to overact during the party scene anymore — no more drunk jokes or pratfalls.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
11 Dec. 2024
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One could easily be accused of overacting, of doing too much.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Forty-one percent of respondents said news outlets generally exaggerate the seriousness of global warming, which is up from 37% in 2024.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2025
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This response is exaggerated in Raynaud's syndrome.—
Anju Goel,
Health,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Florida Sheriff's Association announced in February that all county jails had signed agreements in compliance with a state law enacted in 2022.—
Julia Ingram,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2025
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Republicans are hoping to raise the nation’s borrowing limit, which caps how much money the Treasury Department can owe to pay the country’s bills, by up to $5 trillion this year as part of a larger package to extend expiring tax cuts enacted through Trump’s signature 2017 tax law.—
Aris Folley,
The Hill,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, in a statement to NPR took issue with experts and local officials who argue the gang's presence in the U.S. is overstated.—
Martin Kaste,
NPR,
8 Apr. 2025
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The experts say that Lucas’ new guidance significantly overstates any legal risk that these practices pose for employers.—
Michelle Travis,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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His days are spent either sitting sadly on Iris’ bed with literal hangdog eyes or acting out and destroying things in her apartment.—
Lindsey Bahr,
Twin Cities,
2 Apr. 2025
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But most small children eventually outgrow the impulse to act out.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overplay. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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