overthink

verb

over·​think ˌō-vər-ˈthiŋk 

overthought ˌō-vər-ˈthȯt  ; overthinking

transitive + intransitive

: to think too much about (something) : to put too much time into thinking about or analyzing (something) in a way that is more harmful than helpful

overthink a situation/problem

someone who overthinks and worries too much

"I was a terrible actor when I went to New York. I was scared. I would overprepare, sometimes overthink a role."

—Paul Newman

For a while now, I've been finding current fiction hard to read: airlessly competent, relentlessly put-together, overthought.

—David Gates

overthinker noun

plural overthinkers

But the problem is I'm an overthinker. I contemplate and consider, deliberate and debate things small and large in my life. Simple things become complicated and easy decisions become complex.

—Alyssa Meier

Examples of overthink in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

My doctor remained calm and told me not to overthink it. —Jeremy Helligar, Peoplemag, 22 Nov. 2023

Don’t overthink it In our era of Bachelor-style and Instagram proposals, the pressure to make a grand gesture can be overwhelming. —Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2023

How To Serve Savory Corn Pudding Don't overthink it. —Karen Schroeder-Rankin, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2023

There is no need to overthink this or worry about office politics, etc. —Roxane Gay, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2023

The source coding practice is best for people who overthink and intellectualize problems instead of finding a solution. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 July 2023

Don’t overthink the stupidly obvious sequel titles to stupid movies. —Vulture, 18 Sep. 2023

Best not to overthink the simple pleasures here—among them dead-perfect needle drops and a jackrabbit pace. —Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2023

Finding any way to feel productive will be a good use of your energy, but don't overthink the process. —Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above