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.
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Recent Examples of over-the-top
Why this hits the sweet spot The tease taps into two things people really love: over-the-top food drops and brand chaos.
—
Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
This summer’s buzzy tours—from Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter to Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour—have also seen crowds show up in style, though thus far, Mayhem Ball looks have emerged as especially over-the-top, with some dead-ringers for iconic Gaga ‘fits.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 July 2025
The incident became part of the over-the-top tableau of the madman’s career: biting the head off a live bat (true), biting the head off a live dove (also true), tossing a 50-inch TV out a hotel window (obviously true).
—Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 22 July 2025
From over-the-top challenges, dramatic eliminations, jaw-dropping moments, iconic bombshells and even a surprise appearance from Megan Thee Stallion, audiences were hooked to their TV screens for six days a week since its premiere.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
This summer’s buzzy tours—from Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter to Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour—have also seen crowds show up in style, though thus far, Mayhem Ball looks have emerged as especially over-the-top, with some dead-ringers for iconic Gaga ‘fits.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 July 2025
The incident became part of the over-the-top tableau of the madman’s career: biting the head off a live bat (true), biting the head off a live dove (also true), tossing a 50-inch TV out a hotel window (obviously true).
—Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 22 July 2025
From over-the-top challenges, dramatic eliminations, jaw-dropping moments, iconic bombshells and even a surprise appearance from Megan Thee Stallion, audiences were hooked to their TV screens for six days a week since its premiere.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for over-the-top
Adjective
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez took to X on Saturday to say his office was closely monitoring the situation and advised use excessive caution in the affected areas.—
Opheli Garcia Lawler,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
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Protecting Financial Privacy: The Act ensures that digital financial systems do not compromise individual freedoms or privacy due to excessive government oversight. — Yahoo! Finance and Investopedia contributed to this report.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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This surge in extreme heat drives up energy demand and poses serious health risks to vulnerable populations.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
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Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes in the extreme heat.—
Katie Wiseman,
Louisville Courier Journal,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Breaking up the wearying journey, devotees gather for outbreaks of extravagant revelry – ground-shaking music and dancing fueled by devotion, ganja and alcohol, as befits in their eyes Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and renewal, to whom the festival is dedicated.—
Aishwarya S. Iyer,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
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Trump and his allies have seized on the project as evidence of wasteful spending by alleging the Fed’s building revamp of including extravagant rooftop gardens, VIP elevators, and high-end dining rooms—claims Powell and the Fed have strongly denied.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Amanda learned in like 10 seconds, which is insane.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Mar. 2025
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If 51% of the population is being so underserved, the ratio to opportunity is insane.—
Gemma Allen,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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However, Trump has imposed steep new taxes on imports of Canadian steel, aluminum and autos, and Carney's team has focused on trying to get those eliminated or reduced.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 July 2025
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But Trump has resisted backing a bipartisan U.S. bill to impose steep sanctions on Russia, instead giving Russia 50 days to accept a peace deal or face sanctions on its energy exports.—
Michelle L. Price,
Chicago Tribune,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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At this point, the major labels are practically giving away disks, throwing them into large boxes, sometimes with lavish notes and photos, sometimes with contemptuous bareness.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
20 July 2025
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Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sánchez wed in a lavish ceremony that took place on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy, on June 27.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/over-the-top. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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