overwrought

adjective

ˌō-vər-ˈrȯt How to pronounce overwrought (audio)
Definition of overwroughtnext
1
as in heated
being in a state of increased activity or agitation became overwrought when she heard that her child was missing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ornate
elaborately and often excessively decorated the author's prose is overwrought with purple passages and florid metaphors

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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 overwrought 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 While Ackman argues that those who don’t participate in capitalism will turn to socialism, Britt believes dire warnings about the anger of the masses are overwrought. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 23 July 2026 No premature judgment and no overwrought sympathy here. — Bob Wojnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overwrought
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwrought
  1. heated
  2. ornate
  3. excited
  4. baroque
  5. agitated
  6. extravagant
Adjective
  • What really sets the villas apart are the outdoor spaces, which include a large private terrace with a heated pool, sun loungers, an outdoor shower, as well as dining and sitting areas.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Offering easy installation, this bidet with a no-frills interface has some relaxing perks (including a heated water option) without too many extra knobs and levers.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of heated
Adjective
  • And John Hancock’s grand, ornate signature on the Declaration of Independence became so famous that his name is now a term for signatures in general.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
  • On Thursday morning the ornate marble lobby of the New York Stock Exchange in lower Manhattan was turned into a museum of Hollywood history.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of ornate
Adjective
  • More than 80% of Chinese felt excited about AI applications, KPMG reported last year; only half that percentage of Americans felt the same.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Many studies have found that children get excited about getting their own books in the mail, addressed to them personally.
    — Alex H. Poole, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of excited
Adjective
  • His third novel Ninety-Two in the Shade was a finalist for the National Book Award; fans say its baroque intelligence and post-hippie hangover were too real for the judges.
    — Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Collaborations Supreme landed the first-ever Air Foamposite One collaboration in 2014 and gave the sneaker two colorwayws with a baroque graphic.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of baroque
Adjective
  • Altercations between agitated people with dementia and other residents or workers charged with caring for them are disturbingly common in long-term care facilities and private homes.
    — Jordan Rau, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Migratory birds in captivity develop Zugunruhe, an agitated fitfulness, at certain times of year.
    — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of agitated
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

Browse Nearby Words

overworks
overwrought
ovoid
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Cite this Entry

“Overwrought.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwrought. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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