overwrought

American  

[oh-ver-rawt, oh-ver-] / ˈoʊ vərˈrɔt, ˌoʊ vər- /

adjective

1. extremely or excessively excited or agitated.

   to become overwrought on hearing bad news; an overwrought personality.

   Synonyms:

   frantic, distracted

2. elaborated to excess; excessively complex or ornate.

   written in a florid, overwrought style.

3. Archaic. wearied or exhausted by overwork.

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overwrought British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈrɔːt /

adjective

1. full of nervous tension; agitated

2. too elaborate; fussy

   an overwrought style

3. with the surface decorated or adorned

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Etymology

Origin of overwrought

First recorded in 1660–70; over- + wrought

Example Sentences

Mr. Bernthal can treat a tender moment as the opportunity to be overwrought.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pace Mr. Miller, it didn’t advocate freedom for the sake of freedom, or elections as a good in themselves, even if the overwrought text of Mr. Bush’s Second Inaugural address lent itself to that parody.

From The Wall Street Journal

The year 2025 was more tumultuous than any silly football game and its accompanying overwrought metaphors.

From Los Angeles Times

Much of the concern surrounding AI slop is overwrought, as low-quality mass-produced content has consistently accompanied technological innovation throughout history, from the printing press to Grub Street publications in the 1700s.

From Los Angeles Times

But in the case of this maudlin, overwrought drama, “keep your eyes open” would be a more fitting demand.

From Salon

Related Words

• frantic