Definitions

exaggerate

[ig-zaj-uh-reyt] / ɪgˈzædʒ əˌreɪt /

VERB

overstate, embellish

Synonyms

STRONGEST

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

STRONG

boast boost brag caricature color corrupt embroider enlarge exalt expand fudge hike hyperbolize intensify lie misquote pad puff pyramid romance romanticize scam stretch up

WEAK

blow out of proportion build up cook up go to extremes lay it on thick loud talk make too much of misreport pretty up put on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

compress contract decrease ignore lessen play down

STRONG

abridge be modest deprecate lower reduce shrink

WEAK

depreciate minimize understate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He may exaggerate about the toothaches, but the city routinely deploys firefighting crews to respond to 911 medical calls that could be handled by emergency medical technicians at much lower cost.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Rumanes’ lawsuit describes a “culture of deception” at Live Nation, saying its “basic business model was to misstate and exaggerate financial figures in efforts to solicit and secure business.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Up-and-down oil prices can temporarily exaggerate underlying trends in inflation.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Adding to the confusion is a recent University of Michigan study suggesting that the gloves worn by researchers may exaggerate results.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

—You know, at this point, I’m supposed to say, “Now Andy, let’s not exaggerate here.”

From "Tears of a Tiger" by Sharon M. Draper

Vocabulary lists containing exaggerate

Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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List 4

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