overplay
Americanverb (used with object)
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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.
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to put too much stress on the value or importance of.
A charitable biographer had overplayed the man's piety and benevolence.
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Cards. to overestimate the strength of (the cards in one's hand) with consequent loss.
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Golf. to hit (the ball) past the putting green.
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Archaic. outplay.
verb (used without object)
verb
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(tr) to exaggerate the importance of
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another word for overact
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to overestimate the worth or strength of one's position
Etymology
Origin of overplay
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.
“But the combination of predictable U.S. reprisals and conditioning economic incentives on compliance could persuade Tehran not to overplay its hand.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
Wuttke expects Beijing to be a "subtle negotiator" and "cautious not to overplay their cards."
From Barron's ● May 8, 2026
It's hard to overplay what a huge blow it would be to Australia if Pat Cummins misses some or all of the Ashes, similar to England being without Ben Stokes.
From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2025
There are moments when the performers overplay the humor, suspense and moral outrage.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 21, 2025
Germain did not overplay his part; he was simple and good-humored, as Canalis had instructed him to be.
From Modeste Mignon by Balzac, Honoré de
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
