hyperbolic

[hahy-per-bol-ik] / ˌhaɪ pərˈbɒl ɪk /

ADJECTIVE

exaggerated

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abstract distorted excessive extravagant fabricated false farfetched 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

ADJECTIVE

rhetorical

Synonyms

STRONGEST

oratorical vocal

WEAK

articulate aureate bombastic declamatory eloquent embellished euphuistic exaggerated flamboyant flashy florid fluent glib grand grandiloquent grandiose high-flown imposing inflated magniloquent mouthy ornate ostentatious overblown overdone overwrought pompous pretentious showy silver-tongued sonorous stilted swollen tumescent tumid turgid verbose voluble windy

Antonyms

WEAK

concise

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.

Critics say the marketing—including claims that 20 minutes equals four hours in the gym—is hyperbolic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

He also said his earlier remark that Israel could take it "all" had been somewhat "hyperbolic".

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

Tessellations in hyperbolic spaces are especially striking but also especially challenging to analyze.

From Science Daily • Jan. 7, 2026

Government scientists found Schuchard’s prose hyperbolic, but the public ate it up.

From Slate • Dec. 23, 2025

The media response to Barack's speech was hyperbolic.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama