overblown

¹

[oh-ver-blohn]

adjective

1. overdone or excessive.

   overblown praise.

2. of unusually large size or proportions.

   a majestic, overblown figure.

3. overinflated; turgid; bombastic; pretentious.

   overblown prose.

verb

1. past participle of overblow.

overblown

²

[oh-ver-blohn]

adjective

1. (of a flower) past the stage of full bloom; more than full-blown.

   an overblown rose.

overblown

/ ˌəʊvəˈbləʊn /

adjective

1. overdone or excessive

2. bombastic; turgid

   overblown prose

3. (of flowers, such as the rose) past the stage of full bloom

Word History and Origins

Origin of overblown¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; over- + blown ¹

Origin of overblown²

First recorded in 1610–20; over- + blown ²

Example Sentences

But as the movies and this show keep proving, our estimation of our supposed genius is probably overblown.

From Salon

But she said the fear, although legitimate, appears to be overblown.

From Los Angeles Times

The question of cultural appropriation is complex, and the debates it sparks online can seem both overblown and eye-opening.

From BBC

To the president and his minions, the crisis is overblown.

From Los Angeles Times

They claim, however, that the charges against him are overblown and pointed out that some key witnesses did not report Combs’ misdeeds at the time.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disproportionate 
• inflated 
• pretentious 
• superfluous