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.

While the rivalry persists in public perception, many believe it has been exaggerated.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

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

The woman on my right takes out her laptop and lets out an exaggerated sigh as she puts in her earbuds.

From "The Sky at Our Feet" by Nadia Hashimi

Vocabulary lists containing exaggerated

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

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"Fine?" Vocabulary from the short story

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The Pigman

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