overcount
verb
over·count
ˌō-vər-ˈkau̇nt 
overcounted; overcounting
: to count more of (people or things) than is accurate
overcounted the votes
overcounted the number of students enrolled
Examples of overcount in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some scholars suggested that the Labor Department’s survey may overcount fully in-person work, though the comparisons among the various surveys aren’t direct.
—
Emma Goldberg, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2023
The snapshot figure has the potential to overcount and undercount true Covid-19 deaths.
—Denise Roland, WSJ, 10 Feb. 2022
Even in the best of times, the census tends to overcount some populations and undercount others, with the highest undercounts among minorities, renters, low-income people, and children.
—BostonGlobe.com, 14 Oct. 2021
Even in the best of times, the census tends to overcount some populations and undercount others, with the highest undercounts among minorities, renters, low-income people and children.
—Tara Bahrampour, Anchorage Daily News, 13 Oct. 2021
Jones told The Washington Post that she was asked to underreport the infection total and overcount the number of people getting tested so the data would support DeSantis’ desire to reopen the state.
—Sarah Midkiff, refinery29.com, 8 Dec. 2020
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.
Emma Goldberg, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2023
The snapshot figure has the potential to overcount and undercount true Covid-19 deaths.
—Denise Roland, WSJ, 10 Feb. 2022
Even in the best of times, the census tends to overcount some populations and undercount others, with the highest undercounts among minorities, renters, low-income people, and children.
—BostonGlobe.com, 14 Oct. 2021
Even in the best of times, the census tends to overcount some populations and undercount others, with the highest undercounts among minorities, renters, low-income people and children.
—Tara Bahrampour, Anchorage Daily News, 13 Oct. 2021
Jones told The Washington Post that she was asked to underreport the infection total and overcount the number of people getting tested so the data would support DeSantis’ desire to reopen the state.
—Sarah Midkiff, refinery29.com, 8 Dec. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Overcount.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overcount. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share