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.
In February, in a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled Trump overstepped his authority when using an emergency powers law to justify his tariffs. Angela Alsobrooks, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2026 The lawsuit alleges the agency is overstepping its authority by unilaterally redefining the legal standard for hemp. Dallas Morning News, 30 Mar. 2026 Jean Fisher, an administrator in DHW’s Division of Youth Safety and Permanancy, answered questions lawmakers had about the possibility of courts overstepping in cases of terminating visitations. Shannon Tyler march 27, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026 McPartlin will play Detective Mike Garner, a pigheaded CRASH detective who quickly shuts Bosch down for overstepping. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026 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 3 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

overstep

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

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