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overstep

verb

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

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.
The Florida Education Association and the United Faculty of Florida filed the administrative challenge last week, contending that state education officials overstepped their legal authority in moving forward with the plan. Jim Saunders, Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025 Those efforts have seen legal challenges and warnings that the president is overstepping his authority. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025 The court further ruled that the SGA overstepped its boundaries in attempting to require the chapter to provide a detailed budget plan, despite acknowledging that the chapter would be funded by the national TPUSA organization. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 18 Nov. 2025 Inside, another student said university officials overstepped and exerted too much control over the event. Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 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 5 Dec. 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

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