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

While open shelves can create an airy feel and provide storage surfaces in a visually appealing way, overdoing the look isn't practical, or in keeping with the current bathroom trends. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2026

The Smekkers are incredibly insulating without overdoing it—and without getting itchy, either. —Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2026

Whether you’re drawn to rich jewel tones, barely there pinks, or graphic twists, aura nails offer a way to personalize your manicure without overdoing it. —Jennifer Hussein, InStyle, 17 Jan. 2026

Discord and Mia take the incredibly easy roles of the announcers, but Discord still manages to overdo it and be bad. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Jan. 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