belabor

Harp on endlessly

To belabor something is to work at it excessively or attack it repeatedly.

You belabor a point by explaining or emphasizing it beyond necessity: I won't belabor the obvious.

The word suggests wasted effort or tiresome insistence—continuing to hammer when the nail is already flush.

overemphasis

overstate

Represent as greater

exaggerateOverstate beyond truth
dwell onThink about excessively
harp onRepeat tediously, incessantly

overemphasize · overdraw · overwork · hammer · pound · repeat · reiterate · rehash · run into the ground · flog

criticism

attack

Aggressive act against another

criticizeJudge unfavorably, vocally
assailVigorously go after
berateCriticize severely and lengthily

lambaste · castigate · censure · reproach · reprimand · chastise · scold · rebuke · upbraid · harangue

tedium

bore

Tiresome individual or drill

tireLose strength or energy
wearyDeeply tired, spent
exhaustUse up entirely

fatigue · wear out · drone on · ramble · repetition · monotony · long-winded · verbose · wordy · prolix

Categories

ramblingramble, babble, blather, prattle, waffle
naggingnag, pester, badger, henpeck, go on
overthinkingoverthink, ruminate, obsess, brood, dwell
highlightemphasize, highlight, accentuate, underscore, underline

Opposites

verbal treatment/emphasis

belaborunderstate

Express with restraint

overlook · ignore · gloss over · skim · summarize

physical beating/attack

belaborcaress

Gentle loving touch

protect · soothe · comfort · embrace · shield

criticism/evaluation

belaborpraise

Expression of approval

commend · laud · acclaim · compliment · hail

Family

belabour, belabored, belaboring, belabors, belaboured, belabouring, belabours

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G