as in to exaggerate
to treat (something) with more importance than is needed or proper
The teacher tends to overemphasize the value of tests. The importance of a healthy diet cannot be overemphasized.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overemphasize
First, the results suggest that the concerns about sharks becoming conditioned to associate boats with food — and the potential dangers that might arise from this — may be overemphasized, at least in the context of current cage-diving practices.
—
Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Some judges believed the systems underestimated the importance of certain red flags — like extensive juvenile records or certain kinds of gun charges — or overemphasized factors like an old criminal record or low education level.
—Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2024
These allies, along with the United States, need to take care to avoid overemphasizing any individual threat, such as terrorism, at the expense of longer-term challenges, such as Russian intimidation, Chinese expansionism, or North Korean nuclear proliferation.
—John Kasich, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2018
Today, management books and the media overemphasize the individual leader, but ignoring team dynamics creates dysfunction and slows progress.
—Sarah Elk, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overemphasize 
Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Some judges believed the systems underestimated the importance of certain red flags — like extensive juvenile records or certain kinds of gun charges — or overemphasized factors like an old criminal record or low education level.
—Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2024
These allies, along with the United States, need to take care to avoid overemphasizing any individual threat, such as terrorism, at the expense of longer-term challenges, such as Russian intimidation, Chinese expansionism, or North Korean nuclear proliferation.
—John Kasich, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2018
Today, management books and the media overemphasize the individual leader, but ignoring team dynamics creates dysfunction and slows progress.
—Sarah Elk, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overemphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize
Verb
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In the caption, Smith explained what really happened to her and critiqued those who were exaggerating the situation.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
30 Jan. 2025
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Leavitt exaggerated just like her boss; vigorously promoted his executive actions; and demeaned former President Joe Biden.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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For years, the company had emphasized to-go orders from its mobile app and even remodeled cafes to remove seating.—
Bloomberg,
The Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2025
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Cheekbones are emphasized when the bangs reach the tip of the nose (see Emily Ratajkowski).—
Philipp Wehsack,
Vogue,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The couple concealed their use of the charity's money by overstating the amounts spent by the charity and overstating the scale of the charity's work and the true disposition of the donations, according to the indictment.—
Ron Wood,
arkansasonline.com,
29 Jan. 2025
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Some folks might overstate the likely influence of those who call for a more restrained U.S. approach to the world within a second Trump administration, the scholars wrote in the opinion piece.—
Cory Smith,
Baltimore Sun,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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To enjoy seitan without overdoing the sodium, pair it with foods naturally low in sodium, like vegetables and grains, and use herbs and spices instead of salt to boost flavor.—
Johna Burdeos,
Health,
28 Jan. 2025
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Don’t overdo it, but do include social proof in your social media channels, email marketing and media.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near overemphasize
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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