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 And don’t forget to pack your best red outfit for Virgin’s over-the-top deck party, Scarlet Night, which inevitably ends up with everyone splashing around in the pool until the wee hours of the morning. — Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026 Take the subversive label Matières Fécales who started the week by shutting down the Place de la République, welcoming a cadre of over-the-top attendees. — Phil Oh, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026 Among the standout ensembles on display, sheer looks were trending in addition to over-the-top boots. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 Chuck’s over-the-top underground art aesthetic helped define an entire universe and inspired generations of artists and fans around the world. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 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
  • During their interviews, Haddock said the researchers found a lack of recognition by firefighters that their consumption levels were considered excessive.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Inland, southern San Bernardino County faces at least a 40% chance of excessive rain that could result in flash flooding through Saturday night, said Julie Phillipson, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Las Vegas.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • Shipping costs have become so extreme that oil producers and even commodities traders are looking to own their own tankers to control the expenses.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Following the original movie’s unique approach to the slasher genre that put the audience in the killer’s perspective, the sequel will expand on Johnny’s lore and deliver more brutally extreme and creative kills.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • Sleek and extravagant, Rosewood Abu Dhabi provides a dramatic welcome, with architecture that calls to mind an undulating desert.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Known for its dark humor and groundbreaking CGI, Death Becomes Her astounds with ornate design detail and extravagant furnishings.
    — Kelly Allen, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of extravagant
Adjective
  • Derek wants to hear Julia audibly breathing next week, which is both a hilarious and insane request.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Those questions triggered some insane accusations from Aces fans regarding the Fever fan and their fanbase.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • The shoes’ steep pitch angle provides an aggressive, dramatic curve at the arch, delivering the Barbie feet effect.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • In some areas, the river is flanked on both sides by steep limestone cliffs, and up and down the region, people have to trek through inhospitable desert terrain to get to the nearest paved road or pass through Border Patrol checkpoints.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of steep
Adjective
  • The deep crimson drapes, white tablecloths, and understated gold accents at T’ang evoke a lavish Chinese mansion.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
  • As a whole, the ballet’s arc can feel unfocussed, arhythmic—some parts overstuffed with action, others failing to fill with expressive movement Joby Talbot’s lavish score.
    — Hannah Aizenman, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 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 13 Oct. 2026.

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