Synonyms

overrate

American

[oh-ver-reyt] / ˌoʊ vərˈreɪt /

verb (used with object)

overrated, overrating

to rate or appraise too highly; overestimate.

I think you overrate their political influence.

Synonyms:

magnify, overpraise

overrate British

/ ˌəʊvəˈreɪt /

verb

(tr) to assess too highly

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of overrate

First recorded in 1580–90; over- + rate ¹

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.

When a movement loses its ability to shape events, it begins to overrate the importance of symbols.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

"Be careful not to overrate the Russia-China relationship," says Mr Østhagen.

From BBC • May 23, 2025

Still, it's important not to overrate what Carlson's leaving means for Fox News.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2023

Relationships among leaders can build trust — or destroy it — but presidents often overrate their ability to steer both allies and adversaries.

From New York Times • Aug. 28, 2021

It is impossible to overrate the importance of this self-government; and therefore it is impossible to overrate the importance of this first step,—the training to patience.

From Household Education by Martineau, Harriet

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023