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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Recent Examples of overemphasize
First, a person starts to overemphasize their wins, leading them to gamble more.
—
Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025
Likewise, critics often overemphasize the role of Aung San Suu Kyi’s personal traits while minimizing the structural and situational factors that have influenced her decisions.
—Tej Parikh, Foreign Affairs, 19 May 2017
Ignoring character, or believing it’s already addressed, leads to the danger of overemphasizing integrity and accountability while neglecting humanity and humility, for example.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
It really can’t be overemphasized how good Erivo and Grande sound together, so forgive me for bringing it up again.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025
Likewise, critics often overemphasize the role of Aung San Suu Kyi’s personal traits while minimizing the structural and situational factors that have influenced her decisions.
—Tej Parikh, Foreign Affairs, 19 May 2017
Ignoring character, or believing it’s already addressed, leads to the danger of overemphasizing integrity and accountability while neglecting humanity and humility, for example.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
It really can’t be overemphasized how good Erivo and Grande sound together, so forgive me for bringing it up again.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize
Verb
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The implication is that the non-college population makes nothing, an assumption that dramatically exaggerates the college payoff.—
Ryan Craig,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Rhodes further retorted with a crude remark about Cena's microphone skills versus his physical attributes, and cautioned him against exaggerating his positive impact on WWE upon his departure.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Blockchain Association emphasizes the lack of developer control over user funds, while Coin Center argues that the defendants’ activity doesn’t justify sanctions liability.—
Andrea Tinianow,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Shearing emphasized that there are no true winners in a tariff war, as higher prices harm consumers and disrupt global supply chains.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, in a statement to NPR took issue with experts and local officials who argue the gang's presence in the U.S. is overstated.—
Martin Kaste,
NPR,
8 Apr. 2025
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The experts say that Lucas’ new guidance significantly overstates any legal risk that these practices pose for employers.—
Michelle Travis,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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So why is overdoing alcohol consumption particularly harmful to bones?—
Holly Carter,
People.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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It’s never recommended to take mega doses of any supplement or overdo it with specific spices that aren’t necessarily associated with physical effects—and that goes for turmeric and ginger.—
Jamie Johnson,
Verywell Health,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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