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 The mechanic who changes your oil and mentions that your brake pads are worn is not overstepping. Peter Gunderman, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026 Sanchez-Lopez’s attorney, however, argues the sheriff is overstepping his authority. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 16 Mar. 2026 Solicitor General John Sauer argued that the lower courts had overstepped and infringed on executive authority. Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026 In their lawsuit opposing the rules change, airlines and their trade group said the Biden administration overstepped its authority and the new requirements were too burdensome. Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overstep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overstep
Verb
  • His few lines of dialogue have a power that far exceeds their word count, but what speaks for Jeremy most of the time are his physical gestures, which blend blank detachment with willful ferocity.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Environmental and health experts warn contamination in some regions already exceeds safety standards, posing long-term risks.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • He's commuted for nearly four years, but recently the spikes of gas have increased, surpassing his monthly budget.
    Kara St. Cyr, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The project was such a big hit that the Russos and Hargrave had to bring its main character back from the dead (Hemsworth’s Rake seemed to have died at the end of the first film) for the second installment, which surpassed the streaming numbers of the first pic.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overstep. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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