overplay

verb

Definition of overplaynext
1
as in to overemphasize

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to underplay

Synonyms & Similar 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 To say that Trump is overplaying America's hand with regard to Russia is an understatement. — David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 Barcelona is just about making its way past an era when overplayed elderly players shuffled about for far too high wages. — Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 There are moments when the performers overplay the humor, suspense and moral outrage. — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025 The group banks $10K, but in the process, Carolyn overplays her hand, first by trying to argue for a correct answer that was not on the group’s radar, and next by not only picking her own name for an answer, but speaking up for herself in the discussion. — Nick Caruso, TVLine, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overplay
  1. overemphasize
  2. underplay
  3. overdo
  4. overact
  5. exaggerate
  6. enact
  7. overstate
  8. act out
Verb
  • Still, whereas poverty has clearly contributed to Boko Haram’s rise, government and civil society actors should avoid overemphasizing its role.
    — Michael W. Baca, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2016
  • The new council majority has argued that the prior group overemphasized bike transportation, as opposed to vehicles, and note that vehicles are the way that most people get around town.
    — Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Definition of overemphasize
Verb
  • Mainstream economists, however, believe Trump may be underplaying how damaging his policies could be.
    — David Goldman, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Some companies overstate the benefits while underplaying the hazards.
    — Aimee Pugh Bernard, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2025
Definition of underplay
Verb
  • Consider upping the contrast and clarity, sharpening and pushing the saturation and luminance to bolster the red colors of totality — but be so careful not to overdo it.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Don't overdo it: Too much intense exercise can weaken your immune system temporarily. 3.
    — Sarah Jividen, Health, 23 Feb. 2025
Definition of overdo
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
Definition of overact
Verb
  • Some, however, are on the fence, believing that schools are exaggerating the impact of food deliveries and that this is simply a generational thing.
    — Annabelle Canela, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Our minds tend to exaggerate the significance of small events.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of exaggerate
Verb
  • In Monthly Payments As Repayment System Buckles House Republicans passed a budget plan last month that seeks to extend tax cuts enacted in 2018 and reduce healthcare spending by $880 billion, with Medicaid a probable candidate for cutbacks.
    — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • On Wednesday, President Donald Trump enacted a new round of tariffs on the raw metals.
    — Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of enact
Verb
  • The time is now To say this has to be the year for the Padres would overstating things.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Lawyers for Rhodes, Tarrio and others in the suit have argued that the government overstated their clients' roles in the events of the day.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of overstate
Verb
  • Durant can, at times, string together 8-10 minute long takes, acting out everything in a particular scene, so precision is key.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2025
  • However, Trump is far from the only one pushing this idea: several states are considering their own versions, including Oklahoma, which passed a strategic Bitcoin reserve act out of committee last week.
    — Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of act out

Browse Nearby Words

overpersuasion
overplay
overplayed
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Cite this Entry

“Overplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overplay. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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