overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-vər-ˈak-tiv 

: excessively or abnormally active

overactive glands

an overactive imagination

overactivity

ˌō-vər-ak-ˈti-və-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• heated
• excited
• agitated
• hyperactive

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

Eczema is a long-term condition where an overactive immune response causes skin inflammation (swelling) and irritation.1 Eczema leads to dry, itchy patches of skin that may ooze and become thicker over time. —Sarah Hudgens, Health, 19 June 2025

Advertisement Read More: The 9 Most Underrated Healthy Foods Some research shows that TRPV1 receptors also help control overactive immune cells to reduce inflammation, a driver of chronic illnesses such as heart disease. —Matt Fuchs, Time, 17 June 2025

These receptors are believed to become overactive during menopause, leading to hot flashes. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 4 June 2025

Unfortunately, overactive bladder is a fairly common condition. —Korin Miller, Flow Space, 30 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overactive

• bioactive
• hyperactive
• interactive
• nonreactive
• psychoactive
• putrefactive
• retroactive
• unattractive
• unreactive
• vasoactive
• active
• tractive

Kids Definition

overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv 

: very active and especially abnormally so

an overactive thyroid

overactivity

-rak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

Medical Definition

overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv 

: excessively or abnormally active

an overactive mind

overactive glands

overactivity

-ˌrak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

plural overactivities