Definition of overstepnext
as in to exceed
to go beyond the limit of the principal overstepped her authority in ordering everyone to remain in the unheated school

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of overstep Critics rightly questioned whether the federal government was overstepping its authority, and the effort quickly stalled. David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s push for aggressive rent controls may have overstepped legal bounds, placing the Rent Guidelines Board in a precarious position. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 26 July 2026 Yee accused Horne of overstepping by improperly denying parents' purchases. Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2026 Organizers say the protest planned Saturday aims to give a message to the rest of the country that immigration operations have overstepped their constitutional bounds. Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overstep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overstep
Verb
  • Fourteen people were on board, including him — exceeding the vessel’s maximum capacity of 10 people — according to the complaint, which noted that Hernandez did not know the boat’s maximum capacity.
    Joe Kottke, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Since Palisades Village reopened on Saturday, owner and developer Rick Caruso said business is booming, noting that sales and foot traffic have exceeded pre-wildfire levels by three times.
    Julie Sharp, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Worth more than world’s 500 richest people combined Entrepreneur Elon Musk made headlines in June when his net worth surpassed $1 trillion after the SpaceX initial public offering.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Monthly trading volumes surpassed $37 billion in July, boosted by the World Cup.
    Carson Becker, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overstep. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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