over·use
ˌō-vər-ˈyüz 
overused; overusing
: to use (something) too much : to use (something) excessively or too frequently
a word that has been greatly overused
At best, gatekeepers can keep everyone from overusing costly high-tech treatments when primary care is enough.—
Marilyn Chase
Marilyn Chase
over·use
ˌō-vər-ˈyüs
: too much use : excessive or too frequent use
the overuse of antibiotics
athletes suffering from overuse injuries
His overuse of four-letter words—often a dozen per page—may accurately mirror a macho world where cussing is cool, but it is tedious to read.—Frederick Kaufman
Frederick KaufmanExamples of overuse in a Sentence
Verb
she had overused that joke to the point where it was eliciting groans and not guffaws
Recent Examples on the Web
ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
In some cases, overusing a fine-tooth comb could even backfire.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2026
Imtiaz Rangwala, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
Typical orthopedic shoulder pain usually occurs after an injury, overuse, sleeping awkwardly, lifting something heavy or repetitive motion, according to the doctor.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overuse
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.
Verb
Rights groups warn the measure, introduced in March 2025, is now being overused by authorities.
—ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
In some cases, overusing a fine-tooth comb could even backfire.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
Unless spring brings substantial late-season snowfall to the high mountains, 2026 could join those years as a marker of how thin the margin between water supply and demand has become in a river system already under sustained stress from two decades of drought and water overuse.
—Imtiaz Rangwala, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
Typical orthopedic shoulder pain usually occurs after an injury, overuse, sleeping awkwardly, lifting something heavy or repetitive motion, according to the doctor.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overuse
Cite this Entry
“Overuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overuse. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
