overblown

1 of 2

adjective (1)

over·​blown ˌō-vər-ˈblōn How to pronounce overblown (audio)
Synonyms of overblownnext
: past the prime of bloom
overblown roses

overblown

2 of 2

adjective (2)

1
: excessively large in girth : portly
2
: inflated entry 1
overblown claims
overblown rhetoric
also : pretentious

Synonyms of overblown

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Adjective (2)

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Examples of overblown in a Sentence

Adjective (2) overblown predictions of financial calamity after the company had one bad quarter
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.
Adjective
Scharf had often presented the ballroom as merely the latest chapter in a series of White House renovations that were met with overblown responses. — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 For now, however, fears that public opinion has tilted toward China are overblown. — Adam Y. Liu, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026 But some who study data centers say these claims are overblown. — Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026 Veeva, which is focused on the life sciences industry, also bounced back alongside the broader software group after fears that AI would disrupt its business proved overblown. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overblown

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

blow entry 3

Adjective (2)

blow entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

circa 1625, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overblown was circa 1625

Rhymes for overblown

See All Rhymes for overblown

Browse Nearby Words

overblow
overblown
overboard
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Cite this Entry

“Overblown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overblown. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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