overdo

verb

over·do | \ ˌō-vər-ˈdü

overdid\ ˌō-vər-ˈdid

\; overdone\ ˌō-vər-ˈdən

\; overdoing\ ˌō-vər-ˈdü-iŋ

\; overdoes\ ˌō-vər-ˈdəz

Definition of overdo

transitive verb

1a : to do in excess

b : to use to excess

c : exaggerate

2 : to cook too long

3 : exhaust

intransitive verb

: to go to extremes

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about overdo

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms & Antonyms for overdo

Synonyms

exaggerate, overdraw, overstate, put on

Antonyms

understate

Examples of overdo in a Sentence

You should exercise every day, but don't overdo it. The acting in that play was badly overdone. Don't overdo the salt in this recipe. The cook overdid the hamburgers.

Recent Examples on the Web

My advice is not to overdo it: Pace yourself; nothing is compulsory. — Daisy Finer, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Golden Door Is the World's Most Iconic Spa," 21 Dec. 2018 The Fed has a tough balance to strike — raise interest rates enough to keep the economy from overheating, but avoid overdoing it so as to surprise markets or cause a recession. — Emily Stewart, Vox, "Trump’s beef with the Fed, explained," 29 Nov. 2018 Tackle Thailand with Kids Robyn Mark of Mayamaya Travel specializes in truly engaging experiences for families—without overdoing it. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, "Our Go-To Tours Through Southeast Asia," 13 Nov. 2018 Conversely, the chances of us overdoing it — trying too hard, spending too much money, reducing emissions too much or too fast — are effectively nil. — David Roberts, Vox, "What genuine, no-bullshit ambition on climate change would look like," 8 Oct. 2018 The movie doesn’t overdo the comedy of Donnie’s trust-fund Jesus look or his extravagantly marbled estate. — Justin Chang, latimes.com, "Review: Joaquin Phoenix stars in the captivating addiction drama 'Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot'," 12 July 2018 Whatever your fitness level, the message from orthopaedic experts is the same – don’t overdo it. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Why varying sports may keep you healthier," 5 June 2018 Don’t overdo the feeding rates, and be prepared to replenish them more often. — Neil Sperry, star-telegram, "The tough half of the gardening marathon is ahead. Here's how to finish strong," 6 July 2018 Those in search of blue flowers should add sulfur to make the soil more acidic — but do not overdo it, and expect to wait at least a month to see a change if the plant has already bloomed. — Tom Avril, Philly.com, "What makes hydrangeas blue or pink? Playing defense," 26 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overdo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.