overdo
verb
over·do
ˌō-vər-ˈdü 
overdid
ˌō-vər-ˈdid
; overdone
ˌō-vər-ˈdən
; overdoing
ˌō-vər-ˈdü-iŋ
; overdoes
ˌō-vər-ˈdəz
; overdone
ˌō-vər-ˈdən
; overdoing
ˌō-vər-ˈdü-iŋ
; overdoes
ˌō-vər-ˈdəz
: to go to extremes
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
Featuring a natural frosty brown color and a gentle glow, this tree provides a simple yet beautiful way to participate in neighborhood festivities without overdoing it.
—
Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2023
Didn't want to overdo it, but getting an exercise, eating very healthy, did a lot of yoga and meditation.
—Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 3 Nov. 2023
Proper ring care involves more than just routine professional cleanings; the occasional polish should also be on your radar but be careful not to overdo it.
—Kristi Kellogg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2023
This option also comes with four helpful attachments, unlike other massage guns that overdo it with unnecessary additional heads.
—Staff Author, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2023
These Flamingo Watering Globes have a sleek, long tube that controls steady water drips without overdoing it and can be angled for varying speeds.
—Theresa Johnson, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2023
Whip the cream to stiff peaks, but don't overdo it.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2023
Other would-be comic highlights involve the visitors repeatedly being offered alcohol, with Toula overdoing it and giggling uncontrollably, and Nikki and Angelo scouring the islands searching for Gus’ old friends.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2023
The only thing to worry about is having too many options, or maybe overdoing it.
—Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2023
See More
Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2023
Didn't want to overdo it, but getting an exercise, eating very healthy, did a lot of yoga and meditation.
—Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 3 Nov. 2023
Proper ring care involves more than just routine professional cleanings; the occasional polish should also be on your radar but be careful not to overdo it.
—Kristi Kellogg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2023
This option also comes with four helpful attachments, unlike other massage guns that overdo it with unnecessary additional heads.
—Staff Author, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2023
These Flamingo Watering Globes have a sleek, long tube that controls steady water drips without overdoing it and can be angled for varying speeds.
—Theresa Johnson, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2023
Whip the cream to stiff peaks, but don't overdo it.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2023
Other would-be comic highlights involve the visitors repeatedly being offered alcohol, with Toula overdoing it and giggling uncontrollably, and Nikki and Angelo scouring the islands searching for Gus’ old friends.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2023
The only thing to worry about is having too many options, or maybe overdoing it.
—Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overdo.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of overdo was
before the 12th century
Dictionary Entries Near overdo
Cite this Entry
“Overdo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdo. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
overdo
verb
over·do
-ˈdü
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
More from Merriam-Webster on overdo
Nglish: Translation of overdo for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of overdo for Arabic Speakers
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