1
as in to overemphasize
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Recent Examples of overplay
The responses may be a sign that Trump is overplaying his mandate.
—
Erin Doherty, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
Patel, Bondi and Trump are overplaying their hand, especially as the president’s immigration policy approval keeps dropping amid public outrage over authoritarian assaults on due process and separation of powers.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
But on stage, the sophomoric snaps are overplayed (and fairly raunchy for Indiana high schoolers in the 1950s); the energy is replaced by speed; and the emotions are always fraught.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
Perhaps the Administration became impatient with the university and, as a result, overplayed its hand.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overplay
Erin Doherty, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
Patel, Bondi and Trump are overplaying their hand, especially as the president’s immigration policy approval keeps dropping amid public outrage over authoritarian assaults on due process and separation of powers.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
But on stage, the sophomoric snaps are overplayed (and fairly raunchy for Indiana high schoolers in the 1950s); the energy is replaced by speed; and the emotions are always fraught.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
Perhaps the Administration became impatient with the university and, as a result, overplayed its hand.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overplay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overplay
Verb
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Moser says that American leaders have overemphasized college to the detriment of vocational training and that the U.S. system of apprenticeships pales in comparison with the ones in countries like Germany and Switzerland.—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
13 May 2025
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Hyper-independence happens when a person overemphasizes autonomy, often as a defense mechanism from past hurt, trauma or fear of vulnerability.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Verb
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The Takacs was already a fine quartet, with a lyrical, emotionally frank sensibility that rarely underplayed the character of a phrase.—
David Allen Chet Strange,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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But his performance as the coldly confident Conway is still an excellent part of the world Scorsese constructs, and De Niro underplays to excellent effects.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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This work has taught Russell that there isn’t any need to overdo it.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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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
Verb
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The college student performers from the Hartt School aren’t encouraged to overact during the party scene anymore — no more drunk jokes or pratfalls.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
11 Dec. 2024
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One could easily be accused of overacting, of doing too much.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In high-stakes projects, leaders may downplay their employees’ efforts and exaggerate their mistakes.—
Esade Business & Law School,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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Kehinde’s lawyer argued that the girl lied or exaggerated many of her claims.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
21 May 2025
Verb
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At a moment when many working people feel ignored by both major political parties, this is a unique and meaningful opportunity for Gov. Ned Lamont to demonstrate his commitment to working class voters by enacting policies that protect them and their jobs.—
Ed Hawthorne,
Hartford Courant,
25 May 2025
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More than a half dozen states have enacted laws placing restrictions on diversity efforts at state institutions such as colleges and universities.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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One theory the documentary presented was that Lewis acted out in revenge against Johnson & Johnson, Tylenol’s parent company.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
25 May 2025
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While law enforcement believes that the suspect in D.C. acted alone, there is always a concern that individuals may act out following such attacks.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overplay. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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