exaggerate

[ ig-zaj-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·ag·ger·at·ed, ex·ag·ger·at·ing.

1. to magnify beyond the limits of truth; overstate; represent disproportionately:

   to exaggerate the difficulties of a situation.

   Synonyms: embroider, amplify, embellish

   Antonyms: minimize

2. to increase or enlarge abnormally:

   Those shoes exaggerate the size of my feet.

   Synonyms: inflate

verb (used without object)

, ex·ag·ger·at·ed, ex·ag·ger·at·ing.

1. to employ exaggeration, as in speech or writing:

   a person who is always exaggerating.

exaggerate

/ ɪɡˈzædʒəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to regard or represent as larger or greater, more important or more successful, etc, than is true
2. tr to make greater, more noticeable, etc, than usual

   his new clothes exaggerated his awkwardness

Derived Forms

• exˈaggerˌator, noun
• exˈaggerative, adjective
• exˈaggerˌatingly, adverb
• exˌaggerˈation, noun

Other Words From

• ex·agger·ating·ly adverb
• ex·agger·ator noun
• nonex·agger·ating adjective
• over·ex·agger·ate verb overexaggerated overexaggerating
• unex·agger·ating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exaggerate¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin exaggerātus “heaped up,” past participle of exaggerāre “to heap up,” from ex- ex- ¹ + agger “heap” + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of exaggerate¹

C16: from Latin exaggerāre to magnify, from aggerāre to heap, from agger heap

Example Sentences

In June, Nick Adderly, the chief constable of Northamptonshire Police was sacked for exaggerating his naval rank and length of service.

From BBC

Particularly in the case of responses emphasising bizarre thinking and exaggerated suspiciousness, attention should also be paid to assessing mood and self-destructive thinking, as these factors can remain hidden without further enquiry.

From Science Daily

Looks were styled with exaggerated hats, including an oversized leather newsboy cap with eyelets, and a white baseball cap transformed to sculptural effect with white feathers.

From Los Angeles Times

He regularly accused his adversaries of exaggerating the scope of killings and other crimes.

From Los Angeles Times

In an exaggerated, fake show of support, each cast member takes their turn to praise the president elect, peppering their speech with "Hail Trump" and sometimes even "Your Honor."

From Salon

Related Words

• amplify
• distort
• emphasize
• fabricate
• falsify
• heighten
• inflate
• magnify
• misrepresent
• overdo
• overdraw
• overemphasize
• overestimate