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

But don’t overdo it—a study in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found three sets of 30 seconds of rolling daily is enough to improve symptoms. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 4 Apr. 2025

Washing items with fabric softener can also help with wrinkle prevention, but don't overdo it. —Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025

Related article Don’t overdo it, but light exercise can help with minor illness Who should avoid heated workouts? —Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025

But don’t overdo it—a study in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found three sets of 30 seconds of rolling daily is enough to improve symptoms. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 4 Apr. 2025

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