overemphasis

noun

over·​em·​pha·​sis ˌō-vər-ˈem(p)-fə-səs How to pronounce overemphasis (audio)
plural overemphases ˌō-vər-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsēz How to pronounce overemphasis (audio)
: an excessive amount or degree of emphasis
F. Scott Fitzgeralds's novels and Eugene O'Neill's plays exposed America's overemphasis on money and success.Mary Beth Norton et al.
… an overemphasis on design at the expense of function.Walt Mossberg

Examples of overemphasis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The most convincing aspect of Failing Our Future is Eyler’s extensive use of quantitative and qualitative research to paint a picture of the harm caused by an overemphasis on grades. Marybeth Gasman, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 While promotions for outright dangerous practices such as eating raw beef are fortunately fewer and further between, there's often still an overemphasis on unproven products or behaviors such as crystals, parasite cleanses and essential oils. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 1 Sep. 2024 Early on, however, this type of overemphasis on speed ends up convincing students that math is only for the fastest students. Shalinee Sharma, TIME, 7 Aug. 2024 This overemphasis on secrecy at the expense of privacy isn’t just inefficient. Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 7 Dec. 2021 See all Example Sentences for overemphasis 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overemphasis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overemphasis was in 1858

Dictionary Entries Near overemphasis

Cite this Entry

“Overemphasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overemphasis. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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