overpayment

noun

over·​pay·​ment ˌō-vər-ˈpā-mənt How to pronounce overpayment (audio)
plural overpayments
: payment that exceeds what is necessary
overpayment of taxes
… implemented electronic payrolls for all employees to prevent overpaymentJocelyn Brumbaugh
also : an amount that is paid in excess
… two taxpayers could not get refunds of tax overpayments dating back more than four years … Samantha McCaughren

Examples of overpayment in a Sentence

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.
This applies even if the overpayment wasn’t your fault. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 16 July 2025 In the class action, V.T. is, therefore, seeking general and aggravated damages for pain, emotional distress, and lost income, along with compensation for overpayment and unjust enrichment. Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 How beneficiaries end up owing Social Security Beneficiaries may owe the Social Security Administration money due to overpayments — when their monthly benefit checks are more than what they are owed. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 5 May 2025 In fiscal year 2024, just 16 agencies reported improper payment estimates that totaled $162 billion — money lost to error, fraud, overpayments, or ineligible claims. Richard Stern and Katherine Miller/ The Heritage Foundation, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overpayment

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overpayment was in 1585

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Cite this Entry

“Overpayment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpayment. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

Legal Definition

overpayment

noun
over·​pay·​ment
ˈō-vər-ˌpā-mənt
: payment in excess of what is due

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