: extremely or excessively flamboyant or outrageous
an over-the-top performance

Examples of over-the-top in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The natural exterior surroundings contrast with the home’s over-the-top interior elements. Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 29 June 2025 So even small exposures to these bacteria – such as otherwise harmless fragments of them – could trigger an over-the-top inflammatory response. New Atlas, 27 June 2025 Former Kansas City Chiefs star Tony Gonzalez is in Venice to attend Jeff Bezos’ wedding, an over-the-top three-day affair said to be costing between $46.5 million and $55.6 million. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025 It is considered both humorous and over-the-top, while also spotlighting a pervasive issue in a memorable fashion. Alex Harring, CNBC, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for over-the-top

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of over-the-top was in 1980

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Cite this Entry

“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/over-the-top. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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