exaggerate
verb (used with object)
to magnify beyond the limits of truth; overstate; represent disproportionately.
had exaggerated
-
past perfectof exaggerate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It turned out that nearly 90% of the people who claimed to have beaten the market had exaggerated their returns.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 10, 2026
But the ASA concluded Hilton had exaggerated the availability of the advertised rooms, leaving potential customers at risk of being misled.
From BBC ● Nov. 18, 2025
Both candidates were prepared with consultants’ mishmash for the obvious questions, such as why Harris had changed numerous positions since her 2019 presidential campaign and whether Walz had exaggerated some elements of his background.
From Slate ● Aug. 31, 2024
Its lawyers sought to show that the regulators had exaggerated Sony’s concerns about the future of Call of Duty and other popular titles.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 27, 2023
Perhaps, after all, he had exaggerated things, perhaps he had been happier.
From "I'm the King of the Castle" by Susan Hill
