overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-vər-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce overactive (audio)
Synonyms of overactivenext
: excessively or abnormally active
overactive glands
an overactive imagination
overactivity noun

Examples of overactive in a Sentence

She has an overactive bladder. His crazy ideas are products of an overactive imagination.
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.
The acid also blocks tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production that can become overactive due to the body’s inflammatory response during a shingles infection. Alyssa Sparacino, Glamour, 29 May 2026 Thus, people who have overactive versions of PCSK9 have fewer LDL receptors and higher LDL levels in their blood. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026 Sepsis is considered a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body has an extreme, overactive response to an infection, causing the immune system to damage its own tissues and organs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Steve Reed, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026 The Immune System in Overdrive At the center of HS is an overactive immune response—one that begins with a seemingly small event inside the hair follicle. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for overactive

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overactive was in 1647

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Cite this Entry

“Overactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overactive. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

overactive

adjective
over·​ac·​tive ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv How to pronounce overactive (audio)
: very active and especially abnormally so
an overactive thyroid
overactivity noun

Medical Definition

overactive

adjective
over·​ac·​tive ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv How to pronounce overactive (audio)
: excessively or abnormally active
an overactive mind
overactive glands
overactivity noun
plural overactivities

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