overwrought

adjective

over·​wrought ˌō-vər-ˈrȯt How to pronounce overwrought (audio)
ˌō-və-
Synonyms of overwrought
1
: extremely excited : agitated
2
: elaborated to excess : overdone

Synonyms of overwrought

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Examples of overwrought in a Sentence

The witness became overwrought as she described the crime. became overwrought when she heard that her child was missing
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.
In true Richards’ fashion, of course, Kyle transfers her distress into throwing yet another one of her overwrought white parties, whose guest list is filled with a caravan of beloved names in the Bravo-verse. — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026 But the action is so dependent on overwrought dialogue, red herrings, titillating close-ups, and a barrage of throwback songs that the story constantly takes a backseat. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026 One plays on the name of the crew’s hangout, Hamburger Hamlet, drawing Murphy-ish parallels between the characters and Shakespeare’s tragic personages that are so overwrought, they can’t be salvaged by self-awareness. — Judy Berman, Time, 5 Aug. 2026 Above all, the overwrought thirty-two-dollar packet of luxury strikes a discordant note in a restaurant that seems, in every other way, to have no need for such clunky signifiers. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overwrought

Word History

Etymology

past participle of overwork

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overwrought was in 1638

Rhymes for overwrought

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Browse Nearby Words

overwrite
overwrought
overyear
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

overwrought

adjective
over·​wrought ˌō-və(r)-ˈrȯt How to pronounce overwrought (audio)
1
: extremely excited : agitated
overwrought feelings
2
: decorated too much : overdone
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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