overemphasis

noun

over·​em·​pha·​sis ˌō-vər-ˈem(p)-fə-səs How to pronounce overemphasis (audio)
plural overemphases ˌō-vər-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsēz How to pronounce overemphasis (audio)
: an excessive amount or degree of emphasis
F. Scott Fitzgeralds's novels and Eugene O'Neill's plays exposed America's overemphasis on money and success.Mary Beth Norton et al.
… an overemphasis on design at the expense of function.Walt Mossberg

Examples of overemphasis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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According to the Other Mary suffers due to the Wave Life's overemphasis on bass lines. PC Magazine, 23 July 2025 The same studies reveal that overemphasis on autonomy can also erode trust and weaken the collective strength that groups need to adapt in complex environments. Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 The first was a parental overemphasis on children’s safety. Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 Overemphasizing Sales Versus Genuine Engagement One of the biggest mistakes is overemphasis on sales instead of pure engagement. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for overemphasis

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overemphasis was in 1858

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Cite this Entry

“Overemphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overemphasis. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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