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overact

verb over·act \ ˌō-vər-ˈakt \

Definition of overact

intransitive verb
1 :to act more than is necessary
2 :to overact a part
transitive verb
:to exaggerate in acting
—

overaction

play \ˌō-vər-ˈak-shən\ noun

See overact defined for English-language learners

See overact defined for kids

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Examples of overact in a Sentence

  1. His tendency to overact made his performance less realistic.

Recent Examples of overact from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overact.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of overact

1611

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

OVERACT Defined for English Language Learners

overact

verb

Definition of overact for English Language Learners

  • : to show too much emotion when you are acting in a play, movie, etc.

Learn More about overact

  1. See words that rhyme with overact

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Examples: overact in a Sentence