oversell

[oh-ver-sel] / ˌoʊ vərˈsɛl /

VERB

overrate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

exaggerate magnify overestimate overvalue

STRONG

exceed overpraise

WEAK

assess too highly build up expect too much of make too much of overassess overesteem overprize overreckon rate too highly think too highly of think too much of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

play down

WEAK

underrate undervalue

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.

At one point, in 2015, as she was crafting her pitch, Epstein urged her: “dont oversell it, it will kill it.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2026

“When we are nervous about getting a job we really want, we try to oversell ourselves,” West said.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 23, 2026

Olsen: But when you see that moment in the script, in particular that very distinctive two-word phrase — your delivery of it is so fantastic because you don’t oversell the line.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2025

I don't want to oversell this because my daughter still loves French fries, but now she knows that in order to get those normal fries you're going to have to enjoy some green ones first.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2024

But he’s funny as hell up there—sinking to his knees, grasping his head, moaning—and I don’t want to oversell it or anything, but this just may be the most iconic performance of all time.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli

oversell

Example Sentences

Related Words