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

Google tends to lean the closest to reality as far as color is concerned, while Samsung often overdoes colors completely. —PCMAG, 23 Sep. 2024

Taking a supplement when it's not needed could increase your likelihood of overdoing your total copper intake.1 Potential Drug Interactions There are no confirmed drug interactions for copper.1 However, some evidence suggests copper may interact with contraceptive drugs and penicillamine. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 18 Sep. 2024

Let my experience forewarn you: Use a very tiny amount of this one and don’t overdo it. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 16 Sep. 2024

Like with any any sort of surgery or any type of filler, anybody who's overdoing any of it can end up looking weird. —Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

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