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
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
First, the results suggest that the concerns about sharks becoming conditioned to associate boats with food — and the potential dangers that might arise from this — may be overemphasized, at least in the context of current cage-diving practices.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Some judges believed the systems underestimated the importance of certain red flags — like extensive juvenile records or certain kinds of gun charges — or overemphasized factors like an old criminal record or low education level.
—Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2024
These allies, along with the United States, need to take care to avoid overemphasizing any individual threat, such as terrorism, at the expense of longer-term challenges, such as Russian intimidation, Chinese expansionism, or North Korean nuclear proliferation.
—John Kasich, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2018
See all Example Sentences for overemphasize 
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024
First, the results suggest that the concerns about sharks becoming conditioned to associate boats with food — and the potential dangers that might arise from this — may be overemphasized, at least in the context of current cage-diving practices.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Some judges believed the systems underestimated the importance of certain red flags — like extensive juvenile records or certain kinds of gun charges — or overemphasized factors like an old criminal record or low education level.
—Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2024
These allies, along with the United States, need to take care to avoid overemphasizing any individual threat, such as terrorism, at the expense of longer-term challenges, such as Russian intimidation, Chinese expansionism, or North Korean nuclear proliferation.
—John Kasich, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2018
See all Example Sentences for overemphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize
Verb
-
The seasonal adjustment process may be exaggerating January inflation, due to the lingering effects of earlier inflation surges on the adjustment process.—
Courtenay Brown,
Axios,
12 Feb. 2025
-
State utilities, for instance, are likely exaggerating demand, according to a recent analysis from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Alan Brown, director of public affairs for the Alaska National Guard, emphasized that there were no immediate plans to change the status of the case to a recovery mission.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
8 Feb. 2025
-
However, Surya emphasized that her goal with This City is a Battlefield was never to make a documentary.—
Sara Merican,
Deadline,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
To Vincent, there was no overstating the danger of gambling to the sport.—
Tyler Kepner,
The Athletic,
4 Feb. 2025
-
The threat of blanket tariffs is likely being overstated, Ross said in an interview with CNN.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Some formulas overdo the moisture and leave hair limp, while skipping conditioner altogether leads to dryness, tangles, and breakage.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
16 Feb. 2025
-
But like any balanced diet, don't overdo it. — AVIV JOSHUA, RDN, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD Drinking OJ in Moderation Orange juice is rich in healthy nutrients.—
Aviv Joshua, MS,
Verywell Health,
11 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near overemphasize
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share