overemphasize

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of overemphasize Worse yet, overemphasizing happiness can create a performative culture where employees feel pressured to fake positive emotions. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Erik Spoelstra, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo recognized Butler’s impact but didn’t want to overemphasize the meaning of Tuesday. Zach Harper, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 In overemphasizing antics to justify its existence, Another Simple Favor nearly forgets the connection between the two women that started it all. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025 The new council majority has argued that the prior group overemphasized bike transportation, as opposed to vehicles, and note that vehicles are the way that most people get around town. Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize
Verb
  • In high-stakes projects, leaders may downplay their employees’ efforts and exaggerate their mistakes.
    Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Kehinde’s lawyer argued that the girl lied or exaggerated many of her claims.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • President Obama emphasized battery-electric vehicles and solar, while President Trump focused on fossil fuels.
    Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Beach emphasizes that sales solve everything, advising entrepreneurs to focus relentlessly on revenue generation before perfecting other aspects.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • An earlier report by the Sentinel about the experience of another Hope Florida client, touted in an online magazine, found the claims did not match what the woman said actually happened, overstating the help she was given.
    Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), however, said in a statement that the report overstates the role of farming and agricultural practices in making kids sick.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • This work has taught Russell that there isn’t any need to overdo it.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Yet abroad, Germans are still caricatured as Nazis, and the remembrance culture plays a part by overdoing it.
    Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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