overstep

verb

over·​step ˌō-vər-ˈstep How to pronounce overstep (audio)
overstepped; overstepping; oversteps

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
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.
Their suit, filed in San Francisco, said the government’s budgeting and personnel offices overstepped their authority by ordering agencies to carry out layoffs in response to the shutdown. Collin Binkley, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2025 The two drawers and open shelf give you just enough room for essentials (book, glasses, eye masks) without overstepping into dresser territory. Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025 Lawsuits filed in recent days claim the federal government is overstepping its authority and violating constitutional protections. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said the ruling shows the federal government overstepped its authority and said local authorities are capable of maintaining peace. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overstep

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstep was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Overstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstep. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

overstep

verb
over·​step -ˈstep How to pronounce overstep (audio)
: to step over or beyond : exceed
overstepped their authority

More from Merriam-Webster on overstep

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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