Overplaying can refer to a situation where an actor exaggerates a role, or when someone exaggerates a situation beyond the necessary level. Synonyms for overplaying include overacting, hamming it up, melodramatizing, and overstating. Overacting tends to refer to actors who exaggerate their performance on stage or in films. Hamming it up and melodramatizing both refer to an exaggerated approach to something trivial. Overstating means exaggerating details beyond their true significance in order to make a point. Overplaying can cause a situation to lose its intended impact. By identifying synonyms, writers can ensure they use the most appropriate word in a particular context.