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

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

To substitute sour cream for buttermilk, simply thin the sour cream to a thick but pourable consistency using milk or water (don't overdo it). —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025

After Mauricio missed all of 2024 and had a slow return-to-play schedule this year, there is a balance between getting enough action versus overdoing it. —Will Sammon, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

But Maura never overdoes the feisty granny bit. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025

Its two pressure settings are powerful enough to clear away plaque without overdoing it, all in a compact design that tucks neatly under the sink or into your carry-on. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 2 Oct. 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