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

Talwani's June ruling concluded Trump overstepped a president's authority under the Constitution, which gives power to state legislatures and Congress to set federal election rules. — Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 24 Aug. 2026

In the former case, the government has set out some specific parameters that the broadcasters cannot overstep, which are understood by all and are not ultimately about any political slant of the speech. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026

Now in retirement, Wakefield remains a man who isn’t afraid to speak plainly but also won’t overstep in areas outside of his purview. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Chan was the subject of backlash in the Enhypen fan community after she was accused of overstepping boundaries while attending a concert in July. — Moises Mendez Ii, USA Today, 11 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