adj
overwrought
oh-vuh-RAWT
Overwrought (adj) means Extremely nervous, upset, or agitated. Example: “She became overwrought after hearing the bad news.”
adj
1
Extremely nervous, upset, or agitated.
"She became overwrought after hearing the bad news."
2
Too elaborate or overdone in style.
"Critics called the novel's prose overwrought and exhausting to read."
How to use overwrought
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither too emotionally worked up, or too fussy and elaborate in style.
Common pairings
overwrought prose
overwrought emotions
become overwrought
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more overwrought
- Superlative
- most overwrought
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She became _____ after hearing the bad news.
Etymology
An old past participle of overwork, formed from over- + wrought (an archaic past tense of "work").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for overwrought
See all rhymes for overwrought →Frequently asked questions
What does “overwrought” mean?
The word “overwrought” means extremely nervous, upset, or agitated. In plain terms, either too emotionally worked up, or too fussy and elaborate in style.
How do you pronounce “overwrought”?
“Overwrought” is pronounced oh-vuh-RAWT (/əʊ.vəˈɹɔːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “overwrought” in a sentence?
Here is “overwrought” used in a sentence: “She became overwrought after hearing the bad news.”
What is the opposite of “overwrought”?
The opposite of “overwrought” — its antonyms — are calm, collected, composed, laid-back and placid.
What part of speech is “overwrought”?
“Overwrought” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “overwrought” have?
“Overwrought” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extremely nervous, upset, or agitated.
