What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exaggerated
Example
She made an exaggerated claim about her accomplishments. [exaggerated: adjective]
Example
He dramatically fell to the ground in an exaggerated manner. [exaggerated: adverb]
overblown
Example
The movie received overblown reviews that didn't match its actual quality. [overblown: adjective]
Example
She reacted to the news with an overblown display of emotion. [overblown: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exaggerated is more commonly used in everyday language than overblown. Exaggerated is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while overblown is more limited in its usage and typically reserved for formal or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exaggerated and overblown?
Overblown is more formal than exaggerated and is typically used in academic or professional settings. Exaggerated is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.