overthink

verb

over·​think ˌō-vər-ˈthiŋk How to pronounce overthink (audio)
overthought ˌō-vər-ˈthȯt How to pronounce overthink (audio) ; 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 Don’t overthink your order: take a cue from the boisterous long tables of locals around you and order the Savoie fondue made with local comté, escargots, and a bottle of Jura’s famous oxidative sweet wine, vin jaune. Sue Williamson, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2024 Don't overthink things—harness the energy of the new moon in Leo on Aug. 2 with confidence and courage. Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024 The lucky attendee is understandably nervous, but a stage manager tells her not to overthink it. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2024 Don't overthink it Perhaps the most important takeaway is the importance of focusing on simplicity, rather than letting the idea of encouraging creativity be intimidating or time-consuming. Mia Taylor, Parents, 1 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overthink 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overthink.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overthink was in 1628

Dictionary Entries Near overthink

Cite this Entry

“Overthink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overthink. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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