overplay

American  

[oh-ver-pley] / ˌoʊ vərˈpleɪ /

verb (used with object)

1. to exaggerate or overemphasize (one's role in a play, an emotion, an effect, etc.).

   The young actor overplayed Hamlet shamelessly. The director of the movie had overplayed the pathos.

2. to put too much stress on the value or importance of.

   A charitable biographer had overplayed the man's piety and benevolence.

3. Cards. to overestimate the strength of (the cards in one's hand) with consequent loss.

4. Golf. to hit (the ball) past the putting green.

5. Archaic. outplay.

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verb (used without object)

1. to exaggerate one's part, an effect, etc.; overact.

   Without a firm director she invariably overplays.

overplay British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈpleɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to exaggerate the importance of

2. another word for overact

3. to overestimate the worth or strength of one's position

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Etymology

Origin of overplay

First recorded in 1640–50; over- + play

Example Sentences

We shouldn't overplay the significance of one council by-election.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

There are moments when the performers overplay the humor, suspense and moral outrage.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2025

But it’s easy to overestimate and overstate the extent of their leverage, and it’s a hand they can overplay.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2025

In their loss to Oregon, some of their worst moments came when they played too aggressive, an overplay here, a bad pursuit route there.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2023

But Jefferson's animosity kept tempting him to overplay his hand in a way that was fatal in the face of an antagonist so keen and so dexterous as Hamilton.

From Washington and his colleagues; a chronicle of the rise and fall of federalism by Ford, Henry Jones

Related Words

• exaggerate
• maximize
• overdo
• overemphasize
• overstate
• overuse