overcommit

verb

over·​com·​mit ˌō-vər-kə-ˈmit How to pronounce overcommit (audio)
overcommitted; overcommitting; overcommits
Synonyms of overcommitnext

transitive verb

: to commit excessively: such as
a
: to obligate (someone, such as oneself) beyond the ability for fulfillment
b
: to allocate (resources) in excess of the capacity for replenishment
overcommitment noun

Examples of overcommit in a Sentence

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.
Teams are going to overcommit to take away his shot, and that should leave openings. John Hollinger, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026 Don't Overdo Step One Don’t overcommit to the first cleaning step. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025 The 6-foot, 195 pound versatile corner rarely overcommits. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Dec. 2025 The Feasibility Of Contractual Obligations Do not overcommit the organization to contractual obligations that may become unsustainable in the future. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 Just don’t overcommit — full moons are chaotic, and your calendar can’t hold everything. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 3 Aug. 2025 Follow Leon on LinkedIn or connect with him at Focal Point Coaching Jennifer Scott Mobley, Ph.D. - Executive Coach Jennifer Scott Mobley recognizes that leaders often overcommit, not from poor judgment, but from genuine care. Matt Emma, USA Today, 18 July 2025 Don’t overcommit or glamorize routines that drain you. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overcommit was in 1951

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overcommit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overcommit. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on overcommit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!