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

Lattes, energy drinks, sodas and pre-workout powders have made caffeine easier to consume than ever and easier to overdo. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026

When to Skip Crunches Crunches are generally safe for people with proper form who don’t overdo it. —Christa Sgobba, Health, 11 June 2026

Careful not to overdo it, Streicher opted for a sheer rose gloss on the lips. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 4 June 2026

Cover all spots or rust, but don’t overdo it. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 4 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