overstep

verb

over·​step ˌō-vər-ˈstep 

overstepped; overstepping; oversteps

transitive verb

: exceed, transgress

Synonyms of overstep

• exceed
• surpass

Examples of overstep in a Sentence

the principal overstepped her authority in ordering everyone to remain in the unheated school

Recent Examples on the Web

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s push for aggressive rent controls may have overstepped legal bounds, placing the Rent Guidelines Board in a precarious position. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 26 July 2026

Yee accused Horne of overstepping by improperly denying parents' purchases. — Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2026

Organizers say the protest planned Saturday aims to give a message to the rest of the country that immigration operations have overstepped their constitutional bounds. — Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026

Mirroring others leads to taking on the emotions and stresses of partners, friends, family members, and coworkers, so set clear boundaries and never let anyone overstep them. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing overstep

• overstep the bounds/limits
• overstep the mark/line

Rhymes for overstep

• multistep
• bicep
• doorstep
• footstep
• instep
• misstep
• sidestep
• cep
• hep
• pep
• prep
• rep

Kids Definition

overstep

verb

over·​step -ˈstep 

: to step over or beyond : exceed

overstepped their authority