Exaggeration, n.
Etymology: [L. exaggeratio : cf. F. exagération.]
1. The act of heaping or piling up. [Obs.] "Exaggeration of sand." Sir M. Hale.
2. The act of exaggerating; the act of doing or representing in an excessive manner; a going beyond the bounds of truth reason, or justice; a hyperbolical representation; hyperbole; overstatement. No need of an exaggeration of what they saw. I. Taylor.
3. (Paint.)
A representation of things beyond natural life, in expression, beauty, power, vigor.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for exaggeration; he lists it under caricature.
Where he writes about it:
A caricature is a grotesque exaggeration of striking features or peculiarities, generally of a person; a burlesque treats any subject in an absurd or incongruous manner. — from caricature
Antonyms
none given