overthink

verb

over·​think ˌō-vər-ˈthiŋk 

overthought ˌō-vər-ˈthȯt  ; overthinking

transitive + intransitive

: to think too much about (something) : to put too much time into thinking about or analyzing (something) in a way that is more harmful than helpful

overthink a situation/problem

someone who overthinks and worries too much

"I was a terrible actor when I went to New York. I was scared. I would overprepare, sometimes overthink a role."

—Paul Newman

For a while now, I've been finding current fiction hard to read: airlessly competent, relentlessly put-together, overthought.

—David Gates

overthinker noun

plural overthinkers

But the problem is I'm an overthinker. I contemplate and consider, deliberate and debate things small and large in my life. Simple things become complicated and easy decisions become complex.

—Alyssa Meier

Examples of overthink in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Soundcore V20i is an exceptional wellness companion, so don't overthink this one. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 19 June 2026

Pick a theme Don’t overthink it, but have fun with it. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026

Years ago, Martha told me not to overthink it—and her favorite vinaigrette has been my go-to ever since. —Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 13 June 2026

However, her observation is that queens tend to overthink. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overthink

• bobolink
• countersink
• bethink
• downlink
• groupthink
• hoodwink
• rethink
• uplink
• blink
• brink
• chink
• cinque