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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mist with water daily to further keep the greenery moist and extend its freshness, but be careful not to overdo it on this green’s delicate leaves. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2024 The character is in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, and without overdoing it, Ford reveals his shakiness, both physically — his hands tremble slightly at various moments, a reminder of how his body is starting to betray him — and emotionally. Jen Chaney, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024 Each section of the building’s exterior is paired with a layer of terra-cotta pilasters that don both the east and west façades of the tower, giving it a glamorous aged feel without overdoing it. Jessica Cherner, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024 To walk the fine line between adding more mainline pilot jobs with the additional passenger traffic flown in by the regionals, and not losing jobs by overdoing the use of less-expensive regional pilots, the mainline unions added some speed bumps. Brian Foley, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overdo 

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 6 Dec. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!