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.

Reports of the prime minister's demise are greatly exaggerated.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

The Pentagon described this and other lurid reports of the meeting as “highly exaggerated and distorted.”

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

The story "does not correspond to the truth in any way", spokesman Matteo Bruni said, the day after the Pentagon dismissed the account as "highly exaggerated and distorted".

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The Pentagon called reports of the meeting “highly exaggerated and distorted,” saying it was “a respectful and reasonable discussion.”

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

I added my own exaggerated details of how many people had to restrain her, without any mention of how frightened I’d been, and how ashamed I’d felt when she lost control in front of everybody.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago

Vocabulary lists containing exaggerated

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

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Fine?" Vocabulary from the short story

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Pigman

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!