Exaggeration — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ig-ˌza-jə-ˈrā-shən/ ex·ag·ger·a·tion

Meaning & Definition of Exaggeration

Exaggeration (noun)

  1. an act or instance of exaggerating something, overstatement of the truth, a statement that exaggerates something

Exaggeration (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the representation of something in terms that go beyond the facts

    "their exaggeration was such that a rainstorm became a hurricane"

    similar: caricature, coloring, elaboration, embellishment, embroidering, embroidery, hyperbole, magnification, overstatement, padding, stretching
    related: amplification, enhancement, fabrication, misrepresentation, fudging, hedging, hype, puffery, superlative
    opposite: meiosis, understatement
    near: belittlement, disparagement, minimizing, poor-mouthing

Related Entry: Exaggerate (verb)

Exaggerate is a different word from Exaggeration. The synonyms below are for exaggerate, not for exaggeration.

  1. to add to the interest of by including made-up details

    "the American colonist John Smith is believed by many historians to have exaggerated his adventures"

    similar: color, elaborate (on), embellish, embroider, hyperbolize, magnify, pad, stretch
    related: dress up, gussy up, amplify, enhance, enlarge (on or upon), expand, flesh (out), fudge, hedge, overdo, overdraw, overemphasize, overplay, overstate, emphasize, play up, stress, caricature, satirize
    near: belittle, minimize, play down, understate

  2. to describe or express in too strong terms

    "it would be impossible to exaggerate the importance of this entrance exam"

    similar: overdo, overdraw, overstate, put on
    related: color, elaborate, embellish, embroider, magnify, pad, play up, stretch, fudge, hedge, melodramatize, overemphasize, overplay, sensationalize
    opposite: understate
    near: belittle, minimize, play down

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Exaggeration

The most common words with a similar meaning to Exaggeration:

caricature, coloring, elaboration, embellishment, embroidering, embroidery, hyperbole, magnification, overstatement, padding, stretching

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Exaggeration

Words with the opposite meaning of Exaggeration:

meiosis, understatement

Related Words for Exaggeration

amplification, enhancement, fabrication, misrepresentation, fudging, hedging, hype, puffery, superlative

Near Antonyms of Exaggeration

belittlement, disparagement, minimizing, poor-mouthing

Word Forms of Exaggeration

Inflections: exaggerations

Origin & Etymology of Exaggeration

First known use: 1565

Frequently Asked Questions about Exaggeration

What does "Exaggeration" mean?

"Exaggeration" means an act or instance of exaggerating something, overstatement of the truth, a statement that exaggerates something. As a noun, it is defined as: an act or instance of exaggerating something, overstatement of the truth, a statement that exaggerates something.

What is another word for "Exaggeration"?

Other words for "Exaggeration" include caricature, coloring, elaboration, embellishment, embroidering, embroidery, hyperbole and magnification. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Exaggeration" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Exaggeration"?

There are 20 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Exaggeration". Common alternatives include caricature, coloring, elaboration, embellishment, embroidering, embroidery, hyperbole, magnification, overstatement and padding.

What is the opposite of "Exaggeration"?

Antonyms of "Exaggeration" include meiosis and understatement. Near antonyms include belittlement, disparagement, minimizing and poor-mouthing.

How do you use "Exaggeration" in a sentence?

Examples of "Exaggeration" in a sentence: "their exaggeration was such that a rainstorm became a hurricane".

Is "Exaggeration" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Exaggeration" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Exaggeration"?

"Exaggeration" is pronounced /ig-ˌza-jə-ˈrā-shən/ and divided into syllables as ex·ag·ger·a·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Exaggeration"?

First known use: 1565.