exaggerated

adjective

ex·​ag·​ger·​at·​ed ig-ˈza-jə-ˌrā-təd How to pronounce exaggerated (audio)
Synonyms of exaggeratednext
1
: excessively or inappropriately heightened, inflated, or overstated
exaggerated fears
a wildly exaggerated story
As students go from one disconnected course to the next, they tend to form a highly exaggerated idea of the differences between teachers and subjects.Gerald Graff
2
: enlarged or increased beyond the normal : greater than normal
… many people have an unusual or exaggerated response to a drug, but they are not necessarily allergic to the drug.Paul D. Buisseret
exaggeratedly adverb
… my own view of the art of architecture—a view that many people (including many architects) would perhaps consider an exaggeratedly lofty one. Brendan Gill
Koenig's movements were brisk, exaggeratedly optimistic. Nick Paumgarten
exaggeratedness noun
… we often do not respond to exaggeration by simply pointing out its exaggeratedness Julie Kuhlken

Synonyms of exaggerated

Examples of exaggerated in a Sentence

loves the exaggerated emotions that are part and parcel of grand opera
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
While the brand’s Lotta wide leg continues to perform well, the trend for super wide and exaggerated shapes is simmering down. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 23 Feb. 2026 Garner’s Flaunt feature showcased her sartorial breadth, as Garner also modeled ‘80s power dressing in a chocolate brown leather skirt set featuring exaggerated padded sleeves and an office-ready pencil skirt. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026 In a market prone to exaggerated moves, investors need to step back and focus on individual stocks. Zev Fima, CNBC, 23 Feb. 2026 Though best known for drug trafficking, the group was involved in a variety of black market operations and enforced its claims through exaggerated and provocative acts of violence. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exaggerated

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of exaggerate

First Known Use

circa 1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exaggerated was circa 1632

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Cite this Entry

“Exaggerated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exaggerated. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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