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.

And I think it was interesting to try and find levels to it and to have the audience come with you, but not dramatize or exaggerate an emotion.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

A new study provides yet more evidence that investors exaggerate the forecasting ability of artificial intelligence.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 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

They include a picture of a gold and diamond watch which was clearly generated by AI, while the technology was also used to exaggerate damage to the back of a car.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“I exaggerate, perhaps. The American, Hardman, and the German maid—yes, they have added something to our knowledge. That is to say, they have made the whole business more unintelligible than it was.”

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

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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