1
as in padding
to add to the interest of by including made-up details
the American colonist John Smith is believed by many historians to have exaggerated his adventures
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in overstating
to describe or express in too strong terms
it would be impossible to exaggerate the importance of this entrance exam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exaggerating
Studies have found that companies tend to buy cheap, low-quality carbon credits, which run a risk of exaggerating their carbon reduction claims or providing results that would have happened anyway, leaving no real climate benefit.
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Brian P. McCullough, The Conversation, 10 Dec. 2025
Democratic officials have pushed back, arguing that the president is exaggerating the need to combat crime in the city for political gain.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 22 Nov. 2025
Of course, Solomonik is far from the first person to explore the inherent absurdity of trans life by exaggerating that absurdity, but so rarely is the transmasc psyche in all of its neuroses explored in such a way.
—Ana Osorno, Them., 21 Nov. 2025
Born Hillary Lynn Hayward-Thomas in Boston, Massachusetts, the former yoga teacher was accused of exaggerating her Spanish heritage after details of her past were uncovered on social media in 2020.
—Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 14 Nov. 2025
In the series, Gacy enjoyed talking about many of his accomplishments and exaggerating some of his stories.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Blumenthal apologized for exaggerating his military record in 2010 after an investigation by the New York Times.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025
Local and state officials said the federal government is exaggerating facts on the ground.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
Giménez was exaggerating, but not by much.
—Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exaggerating
Verb
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In particular, middle-market deal volume was low this year with those large M&A transactions padding the stats, according to a S&P Global analysis of deal-making as of November.—
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The Bruins blasted Ralston Valley 56-28 on Saturday in the Class 5A championship at Canvas Stadium, padding their ongoing dynasty that is showing no signs of slowing up.—
Verb
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That might be overstating things a bit (especially for a few coaches, ahem, Jim Harbaugh).—
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The Tribune claimed that the city was overstating the success of the Blue Bag program by determining the recycling rate only when considering garbage sorted at MRRFs when, in fact, a lot of recyclables were going to waste transfer stations where they were hauled to landfills.—
Verb
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Some of his favorite activities include coloring with chalk on the pavement, swinging at the playground, sunbathing on warm days, visiting the trampoline park, playing Bocce, and going on field trips that spark his curiosity.—
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Add the onion and fennel and cook until the vegetables soften without coloring, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently.—
Verb
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Your serving size should be an 8-oz cup to reap some of these benefits without overdoing it.—
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The texture starts light and creamy, then transforms into a soft foam that cleanses thoroughly without overdoing it.—
Verb
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The administration has quietly directed diplomats to press allies on restricting inflows, enhancing deportation mechanisms, and ending policies perceived as favoring migrants over citizens.—
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While achieving a rugged look, the fiber retains the signature softness and high moisture-regulating properties characteristic of TENCEL™ Lyocell, enhancing wearer comfort.—
Verb
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He was first elected to the House in 1992, and now represents an inland district stretching from the southern Riverside suburbs to Palm Springs.—
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Without stretching their budget, travelers can enjoy 22 miles of pristine coastline or cross the bridge to hop on a shuttle with Explore Jax Core Tours, where the city’s history, culture, and future unfold through vivid storytelling and physical representation.—
Verb
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Last summer, her Hulu documentary Call Her Alex premiered, and she's also spent the year expanding her Unwell Hydration beverage line with new caffeinated beverages.—
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Backed by nearly $180 billion in venture capital and rapid growth in AI, fintech, and health tech, the sector is expanding New York’s tax base, attracting top talent, and fueling long-term economic growth.—
Verb
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In Babylonian and Assyrian artworks, too, feathers are often seen covering the bodies of deities or embellishing royal crowns.—
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That calls for a little extra creativity from its mom — and the movie’s narrator (Emilia Clarke) — who wriggles her mandibles and gets to work embellishing upon what Dahl imagined.—
Cite this Entry
“Exaggerating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exaggerating. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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