as in praise
excessive praise
the piano instructor believes in encouraging her students but avoids any overpraise that might make them complacent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to praise
to praise too much
proud parents are likely to overpraise their children for their earnest efforts at making handicrafts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of overpraise
Armond White, National Review, 24 May 2023
He’s overpraised of course.
—Nick Laird, The New York Review of Books, 16 Mar. 2023
As in the case of that picture, East of Eden is backed up by masterful screen storytelling that can hardly be overpraised and is complicated by no message that can be termed controversial.
—Jack Moffitt, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2023
Our praise reflex leans toward the superlative in this dank information age, an era when the only artists who transcend the digital noise seem to be the ones whose music gets overpraised on social media for being the most this or the best that.
—Chris Richards, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2023
Vincent Canby’s review in The New York Times seemed hesitant to overpraise the film, which was based on James Leo Herlihy’s 1965 novel of the same name.
—New York Times, 2 June 2021
Verb
Know-nothings pretend that Schrader’s Bressonian mannerisms reveal the spiritual depths of contemporary crisis, when, in fact, Master Gardener repeats the same social-collapse paranoia that made secular reviewers overpraise the religious, racial, suicide-bomber topics of First Reformed.
—Armond White, National Review, 24 May 2023
He’s overpraised of course.
—Nick Laird, The New York Review of Books, 16 Mar. 2023
As in the case of that picture, East of Eden is backed up by masterful screen storytelling that can hardly be overpraised and is complicated by no message that can be termed controversial.
—Jack Moffitt, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2023
Our praise reflex leans toward the superlative in this dank information age, an era when the only artists who transcend the digital noise seem to be the ones whose music gets overpraised on social media for being the most this or the best that.
—Chris Richards, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2023
Vincent Canby’s review in The New York Times seemed hesitant to overpraise the film, which was based on James Leo Herlihy’s 1965 novel of the same name.
—New York Times, 2 June 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpraise
Noun
-
While many TikTok-viral fragrances fade into obscurity, Golden Rule has maintained its momentum through genuine word-of-mouth praise.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
21 Feb. 2025
-
But the effect is that praise loses its meaning, and criticism gets diluted to the point of uselessness.—
Mark Murphy,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Kevin Durant would commend Edwards’ confidence, as did Obama, clearly impressed with the rising superstar’s competitive demeanor and personality.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Former President Muhammadu Buhari commended the UAE partners for their confidence in Nigeria, marked by their substantial $18.5 billion investment in the project.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
But despite Lamb’s flattery, the veteran wideout seems content with remaining in Dallas.—
Paulina Dedaj,
Fox News,
15 Feb. 2025
-
All the flattery concealed a number of tensions between the two nations, including on two of Mr. Trump’s signature issues, trade and immigration.—
Maggie Haberman,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
This is the other cost-cutting tip – there were only two – that consumers applauded, on balance, in the Wells Fargo survey.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA TODAY,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Pritzker applauded Illinois student test scores in reading and math.—
Willie Wilson,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
While Puerto Rico is renowned for its top-tier gastronomy, the island also earns abundant acclaim for its prowess at rum production, with Ron del Barrilito providing newcomers with the perfect opportunity to explore the local scene at its very best.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Heston appears only in a small role, while Roddy McDowall — who earned acclaim for his portrayal of chimpanzee Cornelius in the original — sits this film out entirely.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
From one Canadian to another, and one 6-foot-6, 220-pound statue to another, Pronger congratulated Parayko on his gold medal at the 4 Nations Face-Off.—
Jeremy Rutherford,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
-
Jonathan Van Ness made one lucky fan smile after congratulating her on her engagement to her girlfriend after her parents didn't.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
In a large bowl beat butter with a mixer on medium 30 seconds.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Feb. 2025
-
Instead of frozen pieces or chunks of cookie, Li and his team wound up developing a fudge-like cookie butter that can be swirled into a Frosty.—
Kris Van Cleave,
CBS News,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Those harmonies — simultaneously honeyed and gravelly, providing just enough support without overshadowing, yet so powerful and full of potential — echoes Whitten.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
2 July 2024
-
Enjoy flavored nuts, such as those that are candied, glazed, or honied, in moderation.—
Selene Yeager,
Health,
24 Feb. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Overpraise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpraise. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share