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

Exercise regularly, but don't overdo it.

b

: to use to excess

had overdone it with the decorations

c

: exaggerate

2

: to cook too long

3

: exhaust

intransitive verb

: to go to extremes

Synonyms of overdo

• exaggerate

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

Her direction here wisely emphasizes the actors, and possibly overdoes it with the mirrors — lotta symbolically reflective surfaces and isolating frames within frames — but there’s never the sensation that the person behind the camera is winging it. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026

Happy Body Spritz bottles up that same nostalgia with its bright blend of ruby red grapefruit, mandarin, bergamot, soft florals, and woods, but in a lighter mist that’s nearly impossible to overdo. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026

These thoughtful investments during Amazon Prime Day will spread your dollar further, so take advantage of the deals below without overdoing it. — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026

Don't overdo it; thicker swirls look better once baked, so less is more. — Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026

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