overcharge

verb

over·​charge ˌō-vər-ˈchärj How to pronounce overcharge (audio)
overcharged; overcharging; overcharges
Synonyms of overchargenext

transitive verb

1
: to charge too much or too fully
2
: to fill too full
3

intransitive verb

: to make an excessive charge
overcharge noun

Examples of overcharge in a Sentence

He overcharges for car repairs. He overcharges his customers for car repairs. The store overcharged me for my skirt.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Best Care was previously accused in civil court of fraudulently billing or overcharging the federal government for healthcare services that were never actually performed. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026 Regulators allow utilities to overcharge, while the prices of their stocks soar. Nick Bowlin, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Last year, McDonald's sparked outrage after customers began sharing their experiences of being charged nearly $20 for a single Big Mac meal combo - which many accusing the fast-food brand, typically associated with affordable food, of overcharging. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025 Thermal runaway, or self-heating, can occur without warning in lithium batteries as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged or improperly packed, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overcharge

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overcharge was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Overcharge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overcharge. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

overcharge

verb
over·​charge ˌō-vər-ˈchärj How to pronounce overcharge (audio)
1
: to charge too much
2
: to fill or load too full
a cannon overcharged with powder
overcharge noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overcharge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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