overemphasize

verb

over·​em·​pha·​size ˌō-vər-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz How to pronounce overemphasize (audio)
overemphasized; overemphasizing

transitive verb

: to give excessive emphasis to (something)
overemphasize risks
We have overemphasized the differences between men and women.Zosia Bielski
… people feeling pushed into starting businesses … in a culture that overemphasizes entrepreneurialism.Derrick Penner
I can't overemphasize the importance of this turning point in my life.Genesse Gentry
We … cannot overemphasize how important it is to keep up with latest security fixes …Rene Gielen
The value of a good reputation cannot be overemphasized.J. Dwight Pentecost
It's hard to overemphasize how significant this development will be …Rich Smith

Examples of overemphasize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ignoring character, or believing it’s already addressed, leads to the danger of overemphasizing integrity and accountability while neglecting humanity and humility, for example. Mary Crossan, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 It really can’t be overemphasized how good Erivo and Grande sound together, so forgive me for bringing it up again. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024 First, the results suggest that the concerns about sharks becoming conditioned to associate boats with food — and the potential dangers that might arise from this — may be overemphasized, at least in the context of current cage-diving practices. Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Some judges believed the systems underestimated the importance of certain red flags — like extensive juvenile records or certain kinds of gun charges — or overemphasized factors like an old criminal record or low education level. Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overemphasize 

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overemphasize was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near overemphasize

Cite this Entry

“Overemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overemphasize. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on overemphasize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!