overdrive
noun
over·drive
ˈō-vər-ˌdrīv 
1
: an automotive transmission gear that transmits to the drive shaft a speed greater than engine speed
2
: a state of heightened activity
going into rhetorical overdrive
Examples of overdrive in a Sentence
He put the car into overdrive.
His acting career is in overdrive.
The reporters went into overdrive to finish their stories on time.
Recent Examples on the Web
But when a dream job across the country pops up, the schemes to keep Nick close go into overdrive, including using the lovely Caitlin O’Hare as the dangling carrot.
—
David John Chávez, Mercury News, 25 Nov. 2025
And during the holiday season, the regular schedule of live music performances and pop-up festivals goes into overdrive with special events and gatherings taking place nearly nightly.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025
The pressure is on when Jessica is chosen to host Huangsgiving and goes into overdrive.
—Allison Sadlier, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Nov. 2025
One big reason is that these schools didn’t want to take part in the increasing commercialization of the college football game – which is now in overdrive.
—Harry Enten, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overdrive
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David John Chávez, Mercury News, 25 Nov. 2025
And during the holiday season, the regular schedule of live music performances and pop-up festivals goes into overdrive with special events and gatherings taking place nearly nightly.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025
The pressure is on when Jessica is chosen to host Huangsgiving and goes into overdrive.
—Allison Sadlier, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Nov. 2025
One big reason is that these schools didn’t want to take part in the increasing commercialization of the college football game – which is now in overdrive.
—Harry Enten, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overdrive
Cite this Entry
“Overdrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdrive. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.
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overdrive
noun
over·drive
ˈō-vər-ˌdrīv
: a transmission gear in an automobile that allows the drive shaft to operate at a speed greater than that of the engine crankshaft
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