1
as in to enhance
to add to the interest of by including made-up details
the American colonist John Smith is believed by many historians to have exaggerated his adventures
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to overstate
to describe or express in too strong terms
it would be impossible to exaggerate the importance of this entrance exam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 exaggerate
Put simply, there is an obvious incentive to exaggerate, stretch, and, in extreme cases, manufacture the problem.
—
Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Even things that are true, people exaggerate.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026
Hanks rejected that argument, finding the remarks were exaggerated rather than defamatory.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2026
Iranian hackers boasted online of the hacks against Patel and the medical device maker while exaggerating their impact.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Even things that are true, people exaggerate.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026
Hanks rejected that argument, finding the remarks were exaggerated rather than defamatory.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2026
Iranian hackers boasted online of the hacks against Patel and the medical device maker while exaggerating their impact.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerate
Verb
-
The verdict As if its beautiful beaches and stunning lagoon aren’t enough to lull you into a sense of deep relaxation, Joali Being will stop at nothing to enhance your sense of wellbeing.—
Ann Lee,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Now Union Pacific has to demonstrate that this deal will enhance competition.—
Josh Funk,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
While agreeing that the FPV drones were a new challenge, Zehavi cautioned against overstating their impact.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Apr. 2026
-
His impact on the music education of Crown Point students can not be overstated.—
Cyril A. Reinicke,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The curved and recessed arms are comfortable and add softness to the design, and the seat and back are padded with thick foam that’s supportive and won’t crush with use.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Glaser, no doubt like many viewers, seemed a little baffled when the Swift songs dried up, and Idol had to pad out the rest of the episode with songs themed around California.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Herzog naturally plays up the enigma at hand with epic grandeur, occasionally overdoing it but usually hitting the mark.—
Eric Kohn,
IndieWire,
24 Apr. 2026
-
But nighttime pain that woke me every few hours was likely from overdoing, Bugbee’s nurse explained.—
Nicole Sours Larson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Gauthier was hyperbolizing, but his statement looked true Monday.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The filthy talk of collusion, of course hyperbolized by Unsocial Media, again is crawling out of the swamp.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2023
Verb
-
That means by the time an indictment is returned, the factual narrative typically reflects a backward-looking account of conduct that may stretch over a decade.—
Andrew S. Boutros,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The candidates themselves must live within the district’s boundaries, which stretch across large portions of northwest and west-central Georgia and include parts of western metro Atlanta.—
Drew Kann,
AJC.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The lower half of his leg was darkly colored, indicating bleeding under his skin.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
28 Apr. 2026
-
On the paths between gravestones are colored footprints, as if left by cartoon characters.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But like all bank accounts they can be overdrawn, though Mr. Edison has no fears for the safety of mankind along this line.—
Alex Knapp,
Forbes.com,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Prosecutors are now looking at a financial accounts for the Walshe family, including an account overdrawn by about $800.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
2 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exaggerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerate. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
