over·stretch
ˈō-vər-ˌstrech 
plural overstretches
: the act or an instance of stretching something beyond normal limits
an overstretch of political power
… a classic case of military and economic overstretch.—
Robert G. Patman
Robert G. Patman
over·stretch
ˌō-vər-ˈstrech
overstretched; overstretching
: to stretch (something or someone) to excess or beyond normal limits
Worsted yarn, and any yarn inclined to "kink" should be weighted slightly as it dries, but take care not to overstretch the wool.—Eileen Hobden
Eileen Hobdentemperature changes causing the tire to overstretch
They overstretched [=overextended] themselves financially.
Too few staff means overstretched [=overburdened] crews and patients waiting for longer.—Christina McAnea
Christina McAneaExamples of overstretch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025
Ray Dalio repeatedly warned of this scenario: spiraling debt leading to economic and military overstretch, unchecked inequality, declining investments in education and infrastructure, ultimately eroding trust through endless debt accumulation and money printing.
—Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Ben Smith, semafor.com, 18 June 2025
Meanwhile, a sudden, sharp pain may be a sign of tendon or muscle strain, an injury that occurs when the tissue is overstretched or torn.
—Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overstretch
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Noun
In short order, the British government reached understandings with its rivals France, Japan, and Russia, which lessened the chance of conflict with each and encouraged cooperation, and so mitigated the overstretch.
—Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025
Ray Dalio repeatedly warned of this scenario: spiraling debt leading to economic and military overstretch, unchecked inequality, declining investments in education and infrastructure, ultimately eroding trust through endless debt accumulation and money printing.
—Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
The Navy’s complaint didn’t reflect specific concerns about aiding Iran operations, but rather long-running worries that the service is overstretched.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 18 June 2025
Meanwhile, a sudden, sharp pain may be a sign of tendon or muscle strain, an injury that occurs when the tissue is overstretched or torn.
—Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overstretch
Cite this Entry
“Overstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstretch. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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