as in exaggerating
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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Recent Examples of overemphasizing
Paternalistic tactics, such as overemphasizing IUDs and implants, undermined young people’s reproductive health preferences and goals.
—
Riley J. Steiner, STAT, 20 Apr. 2026
Still, overemphasizing national trend lines fails to acknowledge how new converts can change a community.
—Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Still, experts warn that there is such a thing as overemphasizing the data and getting bogged down by less-than-optimal scores.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 1 Oct. 2025
Riley J. Steiner, STAT, 20 Apr. 2026
Still, overemphasizing national trend lines fails to acknowledge how new converts can change a community.
—Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Still, experts warn that there is such a thing as overemphasizing the data and getting bogged down by less-than-optimal scores.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasizing
Verb
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Apple just settled a class-action lawsuit for exaggerating the AI capabilities of its newest iPhones.—
Vitaliy Katsenelson,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
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The league decided to introduce postgame flop fines in the 2012-13 season where plays were reviewed after games and those individuals were fined for exaggerating contact.—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Arisco says that making Maxine American is another way the play is more contemporary, emphasizing a connection between the United States and England.—
Amy Reyes
May 14,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
-
Weiner compared it to other iconic wedding in history like Prince Charles and Lady Diana’s wedding, emphasizing the importance of capturing the romance and secrecy of the ceremony.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Verb
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While agreeing that the FPV drones were a new challenge, Zehavi cautioned against overstating their impact.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Apr. 2026
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In 1998, Buffett warned against overstating your impact.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The lamp adds a pop of color and personality without overdoing it, and comes in hues like dark green, navy blue, crimson, and beige.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2026
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Of course, finding a way to pay homage to a movie that came to define a generation — without overdoing it — would be no small feat.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Piantedosi, however, sought to draw a distinction between the Modena attack and the government’s migration policies, stressing the suspect’s Italian citizenship — while noting that doesn't guarantee successful integration.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 May 2026
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Officials are pleading with farmers not to give up, stressing that local agriculture is crucial for the isolated archipelago.—
Jennifer Sinco Kelleher,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasizing. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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