overblown

1 of 2

adjective (1)

over·​blown ˌō-vər-ˈblōn How to pronounce overblown (audio)
Synonyms of overblownnext
: past the prime of bloom
overblown roses

overblown

2 of 2

adjective (2)

1
: excessively large in girth : portly
2
: inflated
overblown claims
overblown rhetoric
also : pretentious

Synonyms of overblown

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Adjective (2)

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Examples of overblown in a Sentence

Adjective (2) overblown predictions of financial calamity after the company had one bad quarter
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
However, this analysis suggests such concerns are largely overblown, stemming from a simplistic understanding of global oil markets. — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Trump officials say that complaints about the facility are overblown and that protesters’ true goal is to drive out ICE. — Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026 Concerns are overblown Economists told CNBC that the comparison with Japan overstates the immediate danger. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 24 July 2026 The Jets dabbled with the likes of Russell Wilson, Carson Wentz and others, but never actually pulled the trigger on any of them (and talk of them reportedly offering Wilson a contract was overblown, by the way). — Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overblown

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

blow entry 3

Adjective (2)

blow entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

circa 1625, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overblown was circa 1625

Rhymes for overblown

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Browse Nearby Words

overblow
overblown
overboard
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Cite this Entry

“Overblown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overblown. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on overblown

Nglish: Translation of overblown for Spanish Speakers

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