Which term describes the act of stretching the truth or making an overstatement?

The term that describes the act of stretching the truth or making an overstatement is exaggeration. Exaggeration involves presenting something as more significant, more extreme, or more intense than it really is, often for dramatic effect or emphasis. It is a common literary device used to create humor or to highlight a particular point.

Choosing this term is accurate because it encapsulates the idea of presenting an inflated version of reality, which aligns perfectly with the definition of making an overstatement. The other terms, while related, do not specifically convey the same meaning. Amplification typically refers to the act of making something greater or larger and can apply in various contexts, including arguments or artistic works, but it does not specifically mean to stretch the truth. Hyperbole is a specific type of exaggeration that involves deliberate overstatement for effect, and while it shares similarities, it is a more narrow term. Understatement, on the other hand, refers to presenting something as less significant than it is, which is the opposite of exaggeration.