1
as in heated
being in a state of increased activity or agitation
became overwrought when she heard that her child was missing
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2
as in ornate
elaborately and often excessively decorated
the author's prose is overwrought with purple passages and florid metaphors
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Recent Examples of overwrought
The feature does add another dimension to the narrative, but the dialog still seems, to me, rather predictable, resembling something lifted from a bad romance novel or an overwrought piece of fan fiction.
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Will Knight, WIRED, 16 Oct. 2024
Here, Linklater eschews the overwrought trappings that these types of movies typically fall into.
—EW.com, 26 Sep. 2024
Kinda understandable, really, considering how overwrought his performance was.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 23 Sep. 2024
Chalfant is the center around which all of these other performances — equally sensitive and never too overwrought — revolve.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overwrought 
Will Knight, WIRED, 16 Oct. 2024
Here, Linklater eschews the overwrought trappings that these types of movies typically fall into.
—EW.com, 26 Sep. 2024
Kinda understandable, really, considering how overwrought his performance was.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 23 Sep. 2024
Chalfant is the center around which all of these other performances — equally sensitive and never too overwrought — revolve.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overwrought
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwrought
Adjective
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Following a heated presidential contest, political coverage and commentary can feel unavoidable.Vox Staff, Vox, 6 Nov. 2024
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Stay up to date on all election news with our 2024 Election Day Live Blog. Michigan’s Senate race is one of a handful of heated battles for upper chamber seats this year, as Democrats hope to maintain control amid a challenging map.The Hill, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The discovery reveals the ornate way that Romans decorated their homes.Daniel Wine, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
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An open hallway outside Dengel’s office overlooks the library’s main floor and is flanked by an ornate brass railing.David Owen, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Indeed, across social media on Wednesday, people were hoping — praying, even — that these ominous, panic-inducing spam messages might finally end, posting pictures of thoughtful politicians, or even excited Oprahs, to illustrate the point.David Mack, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
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Universal Studios is apparently just as eager as Back to the Future fans for a fourth film — but director Robert Zemeckis isn’t as excited about the possibility.Sara Belcher, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Murphy’s recent shows at his legacy home base, FX, have been muddled and baroque, but on ABC, he’s got the goods, as evidenced by the premiere episode of his new show set on a luxury cruise ship.Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
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At Saint Laurent, the vibe was opulent, but statement cuffs worn stacked or over sleeves and supersized necklaces in wooden beads, gave it a zen and human touch, as did earrings made with imperfect baroque pearls at Fendi and Schiaparelli.José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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The post-race altercation occurred once both drivers exited their vehicles, with Chandler Smith, visibly agitated, confronting Custer.David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
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In fan video of the moment, an agitated Farrell is seen lunging at Navarro and throwing a shoulder into his bandmate, then punching the shocked-looking guitarist in the chest before the men are separated and Farrell is dragged off stage.Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 22 Sep. 2024
Adjective
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Combs' former birthday parties included red carpet entrances, extravagant cakes, and an A-list guest list including the Kardashian/Jenner family, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Pharrell, Usher, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, and Ivana Trump.David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
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Known for her extravagant Halloween costumes over the years, Klum and her husband Tom arrived as female and male versions of E.T. from Steven Spielberg's 1982 film E.T.Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Overwrought.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwrought. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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