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

So, be careful, take it slow and don't overdo it. —Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025

Don’t use these findings to overdo it on dark chocolate, nutritionists say — 1 ounce twice a week is a reasonable amount as part of a healthy diet. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Dec. 2025

Idris plays the hungry newcomer without overdoing it, and Pitt brings a looseness that works for a driver stepping back into chaos. —Okla Jones, Essence, 9 Dec. 2025

The key, says Frymer, is to never overdo it on either ingredient. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 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