as in excessive
going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount
The writing was great, but some of the acting was over-the-top.
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Recent Examples of over-the-top
Inspired by the chain’s over-the-top cookie creation, a rich, brownie-like base is topped with creamy peanut butter filling and finished with a spoonful of silky chocolate ganache.
—
Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2026
Publix fans have taken to social media to comment on the store’s newest treats, and many feel these new cookies are reminiscent of Crumbl’s over-the-top creations.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Long trolling Trump in what many view as the lead-up to a 2028 White House bid by the two-term Democrat, Newsom’s missive comes in all caps and with the over-the-top self-aggrandizement that is common to POTUS himself — which is often the point.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2026
The over-the-top halftime shows.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2026
Publix fans have taken to social media to comment on the store’s newest treats, and many feel these new cookies are reminiscent of Crumbl’s over-the-top creations.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Long trolling Trump in what many view as the lead-up to a 2028 White House bid by the two-term Democrat, Newsom’s missive comes in all caps and with the over-the-top self-aggrandizement that is common to POTUS himself — which is often the point.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2026
The over-the-top halftime shows.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
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Although the Bobcats scored more points in the paint, their inability to stop the Eagles' forward on the interior led to excessive fouling.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
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Critics say it was often used to justify excessive force by police.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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When glycogen stores are low, blood sugar highs and lows feel more extreme, which can be especially challenging for the brain, DeWitt said.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
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As frozen supply chains continue to expand, autonomous systems designed specifically for extreme environments may become essential rather than optional.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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For the 2026 reimagining, Fennell worked with costume designer Jacqueline Durran to create dozens of costumes (Cathy alone, played by Margot Robbie, had 50) that were heavily inspired by the extravagant, unselfconscious and campy outfits of the mid-century.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
12 Feb. 2026
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One-upmanship, extravagant architectural plans, and a comparatively short construction schedule result in big bills, which are often not reflected in the original bids.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Last week, the wind-power green scam artists were back in federal court, arguing to be permitted to keep squandering billions more on those insane offshore windmills that produce next to no energy, but plenty of pollution.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
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That’s the best reaction to these stupid, insane men ruling the world now and trying to grab and dominate the world.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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For the first time since the Federal Reserve began its aggressive rate hikes years ago, the share of homeowners paying steep mortgage rates above 6% now exceeds the elite class of borrowers holding on to rock-bottom rates below 3%.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
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Set the scene Somewhere between Monaco and Cannes, up the steep streets of Nice’s intricate Old Town, a large garden with poppies is accessed through a cool courtyard, shaded by orange trees.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The stock market has soared in anticipation of lavish public spending, but bond markets remain wary.—
Jeff Kingston,
Time,
15 Feb. 2026
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In other words, aging boomers have voted themselves increasingly lavish benefits, putting them on future generations’ proverbial credit card.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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