overemphasize

[ oh-ver-em-fuh-sahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·em·pha·sized, o·ver·em·pha·siz·ing.

1. to emphasize excessively.

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·em·pha·sized, o·ver·em·pha·siz·ing.

1. to use excessive emphasis.

overemphasize

/ ˌəʊvərˈɛmfəˌsaɪz /

verb

1. to give excessive emphasis or prominence to (something)

Derived Forms

• ˌoverˈemphasis, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overemphasize¹

First recorded in 1900–05; over- + emphasize

Example Sentences

She overemphasized abortion rights, a winning issue for Democrats in the 2022 midterm elections that had played out by last week.

From Los Angeles Times

She pointed to the presidential campaign of Harris, who could be the first woman and first person of Asian descent to serve as president, but who Lien said has strategically not overemphasized that fact.

From Los Angeles Times

“I overemphasized being the best teammate I could be,” Jefferies said.

From Seattle Times

The researchers are taking care not to overemphasize the results of their findings, saying the changes, while significant, remain slight.

From Science Daily

Senate Republicans asserted that the current map avoids partisan manipulation that can occur when overemphasizing communities.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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