Overblown: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'overblown' when something is made to seem more important or larger than it actually is, often with a sense of being unnecessarily excessive.

• His reputation as an expert is overblown.
• The article described the event in overblown terms.

Use 'exaggerated' to describe statements or actions that represent something as being larger, better, or worse than it actually is.

• She exaggerated her achievements in the job interview.
• The dangers of the situation were exaggerated.

Use 'inflated' to describe something that is increased beyond its normal size or value, often giving a false sense of importance or worth.

• The company's inflated profits were misleading.
• He has an inflated sense of his own abilities.

Use 'hyperbolic' to describe language that is extremely exaggerated and not meant to be taken literally.

• His hyperbolic claims about his wealth were hard to believe.
• The review of the film was filled with hyperbolic praise.

Use 'overstated' when someone describes something as more important or serious than it really is, often causing a misleading impression.

• The impact of the policy changes was overstated.
• She overstated the benefits of the new system.

Used when something is made to seem much more significant, serious, or important than it actually is, often to the point of being unnecessarily elaborate or grandiose.

• The movie received overblown praise from critics.
• His reaction to the incident was overblown.

Used when something is given too much importance or emphasis, often at the expense of other important aspects.

• The impact of social media is often overemphasized.
• Her early works are overemphasized compared to her later, more mature pieces.

Used when something is described as being larger, better, worse, or more important than it actually is; often used in everyday conversations to indicate someone is not being realistic.

• Her story about the event seemed exaggerated.
• He exaggerated the size of the fish he caught.

Used to express that something is given too much approval, praise, or is considered better than it actually is; often carries a negative connotation.

• The restaurant is overrated; the food is mediocre.
• I think the movie is overrated.

Often used to describe figures, claims, or egos that are excessively increased or bloated beyond what is reasonable or accurate.

• The company's reported profits were highly inflated.
• He has an inflated sense of his own importance.