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

The county’s outside counsel insists no conflict exists and that the oversight panel is overstepping its authority. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

But instead of appearing, Black filed a lawsuit against the committee and its Republican chairman, accusing them of overstepping their authority. — Bill Chappell, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026

An attorney for the campaign on Wednesday said Hoskins overstepped his authority and cast the move as unprecedented. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Federal judges blocked that effort in June 2026, saying the Education Department was overstepping its statutory authority, but the department has appealed. — Maya Benjamin,dan Avery, CNBC, 31 Aug. 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