pile on

[pahyl-on, ‐-awn] / ˈpaɪlˌɒn, ‐ˌɔn /

VERB

overdo

Synonyms

STRONGEST

exaggerate overestimate overplay overrate overreach overstate overuse overvalue

STRONG

amplify belabor fatigue hype magnify overburden overindulge overload overtax overtire overwork pressure puff stretch

WEAK

be intemperate bite off too much do to death drive oneself go overboard go too far lay it on make federal case not know when to stop run into the ground run riot strain oneself talk big wear down wear oneself out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

play down

STRONG

compress decrease lessen

WEAK

ignore neglect

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.

Spoon over warm rice and pile on whatever toppings you have around: avocado, cheese, cabbage, cilantro, leftover pico or a squeeze of lime.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

But as the years and resentments pile on, their cancerous brotherhood threatens to obliterate them both.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

After Miami’s Bam Adebayo scored 83 points against the Wizards last month, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra defended his decision to pile on against a tanking team.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Back then, debate over Geriatric Millennials sparked self-deprecating jokes, think pieces and quizzes dictating if you're meant to pile on the ribbing or be subjected to it.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

Brockway took a shovel and scooped up a load of brown crystals from a pile on the floor, pitching them skillfully into a receptacle on top of the machine.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

pile on

Example Sentences

Related Words