exaggerate

[ ig-zaj-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·ag·ger·at·ed, ex·ag·ger·at·ing.

1. to magnify beyond the limits of truth; overstate; represent disproportionately:

   to exaggerate the difficulties of a situation.

   Synonyms: embroider, amplify, embellish

   Antonyms: minimize

2. to increase or enlarge abnormally:

   Those shoes exaggerate the size of my feet.

   Synonyms: inflate

verb (used without object)

, ex·ag·ger·at·ed, ex·ag·ger·at·ing.

1. to employ exaggeration, as in speech or writing:

   a person who is always exaggerating.

exaggerate

/ ɪɡˈzædʒəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to regard or represent as larger or greater, more important or more successful, etc, than is true
2. tr to make greater, more noticeable, etc, than usual

   his new clothes exaggerated his awkwardness

Derived Forms

• exˈaggerˌator, noun
• exˈaggerative, adjective
• exˈaggerˌatingly, adverb
• exˌaggerˈation, noun

Other Words From

• ex·agger·ating·ly adverb
• ex·agger·ator noun
• nonex·agger·ating adjective
• over·ex·agger·ate verb overexaggerated overexaggerating
• unex·agger·ating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exaggerate¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin exaggerātus “heaped up,” past participle of exaggerāre “to heap up,” from ex- ex- ¹ + agger “heap” + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of exaggerate¹

C16: from Latin exaggerāre to magnify, from aggerāre to heap, from agger heap

Example Sentences

It should be noted that the Anti-Coup movement has been known to exaggerate facts and numbers.

From The Daily Beast

Not to exaggerate, but it was the sexiest thing that has ever been on television.

From The Daily Beast

But things inspire you based on your personal experience, and then you exaggerate or incorporate other stories from friends.

From The Daily Beast

Hårdh is careful not to exaggerate expectations, calling the new device a complement, not a cure.

From The Daily Beast

Fame is known to exaggerate a character, and Oprah uses two examples: the humanitarian and the jerk.

From The Daily Beast

Consequently there is so universal misery that no words could exaggerate it to your Majesty.

From Project Gutenberg

It is almost impossible to describe them without appearing to exaggerate.

From Project Gutenberg

Come and see me, we will laugh and talk, but don't exaggerate what I am worth, for I am worth very little.

From Project Gutenberg

The Félibres put forth great claims for the richness of their vocabulary, and they undoubtedly exaggerate.

From Project Gutenberg

Monsieur has been somewhat misled, it would seem, by his friend who was witty at my expense and inclined to exaggerate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• amplify
• distort
• emphasize
• fabricate
• falsify
• heighten
• inflate
• magnify
• misrepresent
• overdo
• overdraw
• overemphasize
• overestimate