over-the-top

adjective

Definition of over-the-topnext
as in excessive
going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount The writing was great, but some of the acting was over-the-top.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 over-the-top Whether shown in unexpected pops of color, mix-and-match patterns, over-the-top textures, or bold color blocking, the shift towards dressing with more expression and personality is coming in hot this fall. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 Aug. 2026 Even for celebrities who favor over-the-top shoe options like Perry, the simple silhouette has become a wardrobe staple. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 As Aunt Dolly, Parton played an exaggerated version of her larger-than-life self, often poking fun at her over-the-top persona. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026 Even then, the country singer was the blueprint for over-the-top Western style. — Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
  1. excessive
  2. extreme
  3. extravagant
  4. insane
  5. steep
  6. lavish
Adjective
  • Carrying five tight ends is excessive, so there probably won’t be room for Fidone unless Theo Johnson’s shoulder injury is more serious than initially believed.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Interestingly, patient education level or excessive punctuation had little impact.
    — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • China is also blocked from accessing ASML’s most advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) machines.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Intel is a slightly different case because it’s also caught up in the mania for chip stocks as spending on artificial intelligence creates extreme demand for semiconductors.
    — Norah Rami, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • As the Times report noted, the Met Gala, an extravagant event held in tandem with the Costume Institute’s spring show, is typically held on the first Monday in May.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But there was a twist, gaining access to the yacht’s extravagant amenities wouldn’t be so simple.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of extravagant
Adjective
  • The new season has been absolutely insane through four episodes as the hunt to save Joe (Zoe Saldaña) from her kidnappers is underway.
    — David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • If Gigi is malintentioned and insane and a homewrecker, there’s no story, right?
    — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • That suggests the newcomer won’t have a steep learning curve.
    — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • After the church service, the crowd climbed up a steep hill and followed the hearses transporting the coffins to a nearby cemetery.
    — Evens Sanon, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of steep
Adjective
  • As a chef at a fine dining restaurant inside a lavish Southern resort, Renee Boughman was surrounded by luxury.
    — Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Jenner, known for splashing out on lavish events, turned to colorful rhinestone decor to celebrate the milestone, and even plastered gemstones across plastic cups and one of her two birthday cakes.
    — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of lavish

Browse Nearby Words

over the moon
over-the-top
overthrew
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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