exaggerate

verb

ig-ˈza-jə-ˌrāt How to pronounce exaggerate (audio)
Definition of exaggeratenext
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

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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 The South Korean military, which often accuses North Korea of exaggerating its military capabilities, did not immediately comment on Kim's claims. — Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026 In a letter to Congress, the former employees say this betrays that the infrastructure problems are being exaggerated. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 28 Sep. 2026 Accusers were exaggerating or lying outright in pursuit of a payday. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026 Reports of theater’s death have been exaggerated for generations. — Brian Beirne, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exaggerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerate
  1. enhance
  2. overstate
  3. pad
  4. overdo
  5. hyperbolize
  6. stretch
  7. color
  8. overdraw
Verb
  • Pierce and Kember were born in the same place on the same day, a lore-enhancing coincidence too stupid to make up.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Here will be the makings of an 85-acre live-work-play sector of the city that theoretically will seamlessly nestle into a neighborhood and enhance everything from The Crossroads Arts District to Union Station and the National WWI Museum & Memorial.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of enhance
Verb
  • Kylie Cooper | Reuters Paying more for less However, the size of Republicans’ financial advantage may overstate how much advertising that money can actually buy.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The concern may be overstated, especially since homeowners don’t ordinarily sell seats.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of overstate
Verb
  • Trump won the area in 2020 by 2 points before padding his victory to 9 points in 2024.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Ravens swung a surprise trade Wednesday for Eagles center Cam Jurgens, padding their interior offensive line after injuries to Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic.
    — Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of pad
Verb
  • Don’t get too warm, though Although staying warm is essential — things like fingers don’t work as efficiently when chilled — don’t overdo it.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • One of her concerns is layering products, which can easily lead to overdoing it on the actives.
    — Korin Miller, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of overdo
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
Definition of hyperbolize
Verb
  • The center of the low is expected to impact North Carolina and Virginia, with effects stretching up to coastal New Jersey and down to Florida.
    — Robin Webb, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The Capricorn Moon squares the Libra Sun, and a social plan or future idea could stretch your resources more than expected.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of stretch
Verb
  • And 1014 Gallery’s show of Vincent Wechselberger’s handprints, documenting the hedonism and tenderness that have colored a decade of the photographer’s life in Berlin, is reason enough for a Dalston detour.
    — Mahoro Seward, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Inky skies and tall, wan grasses color a world where the outsides match the insides of people, emotional weather syncopated to the actual climate and flora.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of color
Verb
  • No fee if the transaction is $5 or less or your account is overdrawn by $20 or less.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Slightly overdraw the cupid’s bow and the center of your bottom lip — but leave the corners alone.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 29 July 2026
Definition of overdraw

Browse Nearby Words

exacts
exaggerate
exaggerated
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Cite this Entry

“Exaggerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerate. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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