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

Don’t overthink it, Kleon said. — Jancee Dunn, New York Times, 25 June 2026

And when they’re gone, they’re gone—so don’t overthink your favorites (at least, not for too long). — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 24 June 2026

For men who do not want to overthink shopping, that kind of simplicity is part of the appeal. — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 24 June 2026

The Soundcore V20i is an exceptional wellness companion, so don't overthink this one. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 23 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