Definitions

exaggerated

[ig-zaj-uh-rey-tid] / ɪgˈzædʒ əˌreɪ tɪd /

ADJECTIVE

overstated, embellished

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abstract distorted excessive extravagant fabricated false farfetched hyperbolic inflated magnified melodramatic overblown overwrought preposterous pretentious stylized unrealistic

STRONG

amplified bouncing embroidered exalted overdone overestimated steep strained

WEAK

a bit thick artificial caricatural fabulous fantastic hammy highly colored histrionic histrionical impossible out of proportion overkill schmaltzy sensational spectacular tall too much too-too

Antonyms

STRONGEST

actual believable calm factual moderate real realistic reasonable sensible straight

WEAK

depreciated minimized played down reduced understated unembellished unexaggerated

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.

The Pentagon described this and other lurid reports of the meeting as “highly exaggerated and distorted.”

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

The Pentagon has claimed the reports are exaggerated, but eyebrows have been raised since it emerged that Leo had canceled a planned trip to the U.S.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

"Recent reporting of the meeting is highly exaggerated and distorted," the Pentagon said on X. "The meeting between Pentagon and Vatican officials was a respectful and reasonable discussion."

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

As the Teacher, Lucy Shelton’s increasingly exaggerated Sprechstimme suggests that she is losing her mind.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

He looked around the front hall, took in all the signs of cleaning, ambled over and peered into the parlor, and put on an exaggerated mock expression of being impressed.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Vocabulary lists containing exaggerated

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Fine?" Vocabulary from the short story

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Pigman

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!