overdo

verb

over·​do ˌō-vər-ˈdü 

overdid ˌō-vər-ˈdid  ; overdone ˌō-vər-ˈdən  ; overdoing ˌō-vər-ˈdü-iŋ  ; overdoes ˌō-vər-ˈdəz 

transitive verb

1

a

: 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

• exaggerate
• overdraw
• overstate
• put on

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

As the orange jersey-holder Tanner Conner got to control the playlist during Tuesday’s practice, the Miami Dolphins tight end seemingly overdoes his teammates with four Eminem songs. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025

Take care not to overdo this, especially with plants that need excellent drainage, like succulents, Mediterranean woody herbs, or orchids. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2025

Both cameras capture good detail and color (for a tablet) without overdoing the brightness. —PC Magazine, 21 May 2025

Don't overdo it: Wash no more than twice daily—morning and night—and after sweating, to avoid skin irritation. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for overdo

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue

Kids Definition

overdo

verb

over·​do -ˈdü 

overdid -ˈdid  ; overdone -ˈdən  ; overdoing -ˈdü-iŋ 

1

: to do too much

overdoes it getting ready for a party

2

: exaggerate

overdo praise

3

: to cook too long

meat that is overdone