Crossword Genius

Overly praised mature journalist penning article (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

adulated

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'overly praised' is the definition.
'adulated' can be an answer for 'praised' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'overly' bit.

'mature journalist penning article' is the wordplay.
'mature' becomes 'adult' ('adult' can be similar in meaning to 'mature'**).
'journalist' becomes 'ed' (short for editor).
'penning' indicates putting letters inside.
'article' becomes 'a' (indefinite article).
'adult'+'ed'='adulted'
'adulted' enclosing 'a' is 'ADULATED'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for adulated that I've seen before include "Praised" , "given excessive praise perhaps" , "Flattered in an obsequious manner" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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