overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-vər-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce overactive (audio)
: 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.
This overactive immune response can cause inflammation and mistakenly attack joint tissues, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 2 Aug. 2025 Not to mention, these powerful SCFAs can also spur gut cells to pump out serotonin and activate your parasympathetic (a.k.a. rest and digest) nervous system, which may calm down an overactive stress response. Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 July 2025 These medications treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and an overactive bladder. Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025 Using mice that had the genetic mutation that causes overactive LRRK2 and also had symptoms consistent with early Parkinson’s disease, the scientists tried feeding them the inhibitor for two weeks. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overactive. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on overactive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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