as in exaggeration
the representation of something in terms that go beyond the facts
a claim to worldwide fame is a bit of an overstatement on the part of that nightclub
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Recent Examples of overstatement
That sort of flamboyant overstatement became central to Turner’s personal brand—and made for irresistible copy in the dailies.
—
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 May 2026
In clinical trials, acronyms can also invite overstatement.
—Clarissa Brincat, Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
That is probably an overstatement.
—Jack Hamilton, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
The SaaSpocalypse may be an overstatement.
—Michael Jacobides, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
That appears to be an overstatement.
—Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
That might sound like an overstatement of Murray’s abilities.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2026
Rather than feeling stuck between silence and overstatement, the most effective leaders are taking a more intentional approach.
—Teresa Hopke, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
With job growth averaging just shy of 40,000 in that period, an overstatement that size would equate to payroll losses of about 20,000 per month.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 May 2026
In clinical trials, acronyms can also invite overstatement.
—Clarissa Brincat, Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
That is probably an overstatement.
—Jack Hamilton, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
The SaaSpocalypse may be an overstatement.
—Michael Jacobides, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
That appears to be an overstatement.
—Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
That might sound like an overstatement of Murray’s abilities.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2026
Rather than feeling stuck between silence and overstatement, the most effective leaders are taking a more intentional approach.
—Teresa Hopke, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
With job growth averaging just shy of 40,000 in that period, an overstatement that size would equate to payroll losses of about 20,000 per month.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overstatement
Noun
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Each reiteration and exaggeration of Mary’s bad behavior is another civic stroke of the chisel that perfects the monumental Lincoln in our collective imagination.—
Thomas Mallon,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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And half the conference isn't an exaggeration, considering Sankey's prior remarks.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Noun
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In 1856, the body of what is thought to have been the first gorilla to reach Europe was purchased by a travel writer, taxidermist, and showman who transformed it into a bizarre caricature of Martin Luther—the facial expressions were supposed to be similar.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
18 May 2026
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The filmmaker also wanted to steer clear of caricatures on either side of the conflict.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
17 May 2026
Noun
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That, of course, is hyperbole, insofar as the fourth straight loss left them just half a game behind the San Diego Padres, and still the odds-on favorite (per various betting sites) to win their third straight title.—
Dan Freedman,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
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Having to fight and co-exist with those hell-bent on spewing lies and attention-grabbing hyperbole only clouds up the room, ruins the mood and takes away minutes from those who have been tackling real problems that truly need their government’s help.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overstatement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overstatement. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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