overdo

verb

over·​do ˌō-vər-ˈdü How to pronounce overdo (audio)

transitive verb

1
a
: to do in excess
b
: to use to excess
2
: to cook too long
3

intransitive verb

: 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

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.

Kids Definition

overdo

verb
over·​do -ˈdü How to pronounce overdo (audio)
overdid -ˈdid How to pronounce overdo (audio) ; overdone -ˈdən How to pronounce overdo (audio) ; overdoing -ˈdü-iŋ How to pronounce overdo (audio)
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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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