1
as in heated
being in a state of increased activity or agitation
became overwrought when she heard that her child was missing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ornate
elaborately and often excessively decorated
the author's prose is overwrought with purple passages and florid metaphors
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 overwrought
But this dull game was complemented by a pregame show in which the U.S. president spoke of annexing Canada, a halftime show that needed a Gen Z translator and a batch of overwrought corporate commercials preaching religion, patriotism and the NFL.
—
Paul Sullivan, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025
Other elements felt more cohesive, if slightly overwrought.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025
In a music doc landscape pocked with overwrought hagiographies, The Makings of Curtis Mayfield does distinguish itself.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025
Yet in this production, a couple of these choices seem overwrought, especially since this ensemble of actors is more than equipped to convey the concepts of Williams’ work.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwrought
Paul Sullivan, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025
Other elements felt more cohesive, if slightly overwrought.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025
In a music doc landscape pocked with overwrought hagiographies, The Makings of Curtis Mayfield does distinguish itself.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025
Yet in this production, a couple of these choices seem overwrought, especially since this ensemble of actors is more than equipped to convey the concepts of Williams’ work.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwrought
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwrought
Adjective
-
The topic garnered passionate and heated discourse from council members and the mayor. City Council member Cheryl Littlejohn took to the podium during the public comment period to give a speech expressing her own disappointment and frustration about the policy and city operations.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
22 May 2025
-
Lanez is serving a 10-year sentence in prison after being convicted on three felony counts for shooting Megan Thee Stallion during a heated dispute outside a Hollywood Hills party in July 2020.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
On March 25, 2024, Homeland Security agents used an armored vehicle to storm the ornate front gate at the rap mogul's estate on uber-exclusive Star Island while executing a search warrant on the property, according to testimony from Homeland Security Special Agent Gerard Gannon, who led the raid.—
Janelle Griffith,
People.com,
21 May 2025
-
Meghan and Prince Harry first tied the knot in May 2018 in an ornate ceremony at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
But for his versatility, the variety in his attacking link-up and movement, and his ever-presence in a tough City season, there is reason to be excited for what lies ahead.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
-
Artist Tina Birkhoff said this was her first year displaying her work at the event and was very excited to be at the show over the weekend.—
David Sharos,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
Also completing the necklace are 29 rare baroque pearls sourced over the years from the Australian South Sea.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
22 May 2025
-
Critics were baffled upon its release by the narrative contortions and dense plot, but the disorientation is the point; Welles fashions a baroque noir of fatalism and entrapment, where escape is an illusion and the self is a hall of mirrors.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
The grizzly was even more agitated, rocking back and forth, making mini-lunges.—
Alann B. Steen,
Outdoor Life,
21 May 2025
-
Bella and Edward, the most inhumanly beautiful Cullen of all, meet-cute-ish when she’s forced to sit next to him in biology lab and he seems agitated by her presence, even repulsed.—
Bruce Handy,
Vulture,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
The aircraft so extravagant, it’s been called the flying palace.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 May 2025
-
Next week, a coterie of crypto investors will share an extravagant dinner with US president Donald Trump at his golf club in Washington, DC.—
Joel Khalili,
Wired News,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwrought.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwrought. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share