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 The national importance of this prosecution cannot be overemphasized. Nick Akerman, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025 First, a person starts to overemphasize their wins, leading them to gamble more. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025 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 Today, management books and the media overemphasize the individual leader, but ignoring team dynamics creates dysfunction and slows progress. Sarah Elk, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for overemphasize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overemphasize
Verb
  • Forty-one percent of respondents said news outlets generally exaggerate the seriousness of global warming, which is up from 37% in 2024.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025
  • This response is exaggerated in Raynaud's syndrome.
    Anju Goel, Health, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • In the past, Sheinbaum has clarified that her government is not looking to promote censorship but rather to preserve traditional Mexican music while emphasizing other values.
    Natalia Cano, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • But don’t overdo it—a study in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found three sets of 30 seconds of rolling daily is enough to improve symptoms.
    Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Washing items with fabric softener can also help with wrinkle prevention, but don't overdo it.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overemphasize. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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