Meaning & use

exaggerate

verb·Everyday

To describe something as larger, better, or worse than it actually is.

See it in a sentence

He tends to exaggerate his role in the project whenever he tells the story.

Do not exaggerate the risks just to convince them to change their plans.

A note on using this word

Exaggerate is often used lightly about harmless storytelling, but it can also carry a critical tone when applied to dishonesty.

Words with a similar meaning

overstateembellishinflate

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

understateminimize

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “exaggerate”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.