overplay

verb

over·​play ˌō-vər-ˈplā How to pronounce overplay (audio)
overplayed; overplaying; overplays
Synonyms of overplaynext

transitive verb

1
a
: to present (a dramatic role) extravagantly : exaggerate
b
: to place too much emphasis on
2
: to rely too much on the strength of
—usually used in the phrase overplay one's hand
3
: to strike a golf ball beyond (a putting green)

intransitive verb

: to exaggerate a part or effect

Examples of overplay in a Sentence

The network news overplayed the story just to get good ratings. He overplayed the death scene.
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.
His allies argue Iran risks overplaying its hand by continuing the war as its economy suffers. — Lee Keath, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 Cienfuegos’ show is exceptionally well-acted by the entire cast, this being a company that holds its fictional characters close to the heart and is determined never to overplay in this intimate venue. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 In a corporate environment, leaders who overplay their hand can trigger resistance from peers, boards and other stakeholders. — Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Iran also risks overplaying its hand and creating an incentive for Gulf producers to redirect flows through alternative routes like pipelines across Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Kraska said. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overplay

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of overplay was in 1767

Phrases Containing overplay

Rhymes for overplay

See All Rhymes for overplay

Browse Nearby Words

overplant
overplay
overplay one's cards
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overplay. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overplay

verb
over·​play ˌō-vər-ˈplā How to pronounce overplay (audio)
1
: exaggerate, overemphasize
newspapers overplayed the story
2
: to rely too much on the strength of
overplayed my hand and lost

More from Merriam-Webster on overplay

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overplay

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