1. to exaggerate the importance or significance of something
2. to perform a role or character in an excessively dramatic way
Usage: theater; acting
3. to play a card or hand poorly by being too aggressive or confident
Usage: card games

Examples

• The media overplays the significance of minor political scandals.
• She overplays her role as the villain in the school play.
• Don’t overplay the importance of this test grade.
• The actor overplays every emotional scene.
• He overplays his poker hands and loses money.
• The coach warned against overplaying their early lead.
• Critics say the director overplays the dramatic moments.