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Showing results for overplay. Search instead for overexplai.
Definitions

overplay

[oh-ver-pley] / ˌoʊ vərˈpleɪ /
VERB
be dramatic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
exaggerate maximize overdo overemphasize overstate overuse
STRONG
accent accentuate dramatize hyperbolize magnify mug overact overdraw overstress overwork stretch
WEAK
blow out of proportion get carried away ham it up labor at lay it on thick point up show off
Antonyms
WEAK
play down

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.

We shouldn't overplay the significance of one council by-election.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

There are moments when the performers overplay the humor, suspense and moral outrage.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2025

But it’s easy to overestimate and overstate the extent of their leverage, and it’s a hand they can overplay.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2025

In their loss to Oregon, some of their worst moments came when they played too aggressive, an overplay here, a bad pursuit route there.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2023

Friends, your nature underlies us and your pulses overplay us; Ye, with social sores unbandaged, can ye sing right and steer wrong?

From The Heptalogia by Swinburne, Algernon Charles