Synonyms
Examples of overly in a Sentence
These directions are overly complex.
She's overly sensitive to criticism.
They didn't seem overly concerned about the problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
People tend to be overly concerned about how to give a compliment competently.
—
Angela Haupt, TIME, 12 Apr. 2024
Unlike the competition, these gloves are not overly bulky and have touchscreen-capable fingers, a feature that’s difficult to find in winter work gloves.
—Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024
Despite receiving critical adulation and building a huge fanbase on social media, Cam & China are overly familiar with the hardships and exploitation that have historically plagued L.A. female rappers.
—Liz Sanchez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024
Indeed, the film’s main strength is not its overly familiar if convoluted plotting but rather the strong performances all around.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2024
Plus, this one from Gap has almost overly dramatic collars that would look more refined on top of a graphic hoodie, and it can also be worn with or without the figure-flattering belt.
—Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024
Without being overly rigid, write out what the special time looks like.
—Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
While this brand is also known for its overly delicious gummies, which are inspired by the Hawaiian islands, Verma Farms also sells award winning CBD oils.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Remember, though: these are the Hornets and nothing ever seems to go according to plan, certainly not anything overly joyous.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2024
Angela Haupt, TIME, 12 Apr. 2024
Unlike the competition, these gloves are not overly bulky and have touchscreen-capable fingers, a feature that’s difficult to find in winter work gloves.
—Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024
Despite receiving critical adulation and building a huge fanbase on social media, Cam & China are overly familiar with the hardships and exploitation that have historically plagued L.A. female rappers.
—Liz Sanchez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024
Indeed, the film’s main strength is not its overly familiar if convoluted plotting but rather the strong performances all around.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2024
Plus, this one from Gap has almost overly dramatic collars that would look more refined on top of a graphic hoodie, and it can also be worn with or without the figure-flattering belt.
—Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024
Without being overly rigid, write out what the special time looks like.
—Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
While this brand is also known for its overly delicious gummies, which are inspired by the Hawaiian islands, Verma Farms also sells award winning CBD oils.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Remember, though: these are the Hornets and nothing ever seems to go according to plan, certainly not anything overly joyous.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of overly was
before the 12th century
Dictionary Entries Near overly
Cite this Entry
“Overly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overly. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on overly
Nglish: Translation of overly for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of overly for Arabic Speakers
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