overthink

verb

over·think | \ ˌō-vər-ˈthiŋk

overthought\ ˌō-vər-ˈthȯt

\; overthinking

Definition of overthink

: 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

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Other Words from overthink

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

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People seemed to cope in one of two ways: turning away from the problem or overthinking it and becoming desensitized. — Jerod Macdonald-evoy, azcentral, "Every teen suicide is a tragedy, here's what Arizona is doing to prevent more," 8 June 2018 Bautista, who will return for Guardians 3 (2020), just doesn't overthink the part. — Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, "Why Dave Bautista is the big screen's world champion right now," 7 June 2018 Don't overthink it or be too critical about your appearance. — Kate Sullivan, Allure, "How to Take Your Best Nude Selfie Ever," 20 Aug. 2018 No need to overthink this one: Devonté Graham should be KU's go-to guy Saturday. — Jesse Newell, kansascity, "Quick scout: One key factor in KU-Seton Hall that might be getting overlooked | The Kansas City Star," 17 Mar. 2018 Jully Lee’s Yamamoto is strong and assured, a bit too prone to overthinking yet ready for anything. — Daryl H. Miller, latimes.com, "'The Ballad of Bimini Baths' plunges into L.A. history," 15 June 2018 More Lamar ► Five NFL draft destinations that make sense for Jackson ► Don't overthink this. — Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal, "Tests only tell so much about Lamar Jackson | Tim Sullivan," 4 Apr. 2018 The Suns were not in position to overthink this pick, needing long-term help up front, and value his star potential and freakish athletic ability. — Jeremy Woo, SI.com, "2018 NBA Mock Draft 11.0: Trade Rumors and Final Picks for Both Rounds," 21 June 2018 Like many chefs say, keep things simple and don't overthink or over process an ingredient. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Asparagus still rolling in — so many reasons to love it," 10 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overthink.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.