overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-vər-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce overactive (audio)
: excessively or abnormally active
overactive glands
an overactive imagination
overactivity noun

Examples of overactive in a Sentence

She has an overactive bladder. His crazy ideas are products of an overactive imagination.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Unfortunately, overactive bladder is a fairly common condition. Korin Miller, Flow Space, 30 May 2025 As Venus and Neptune align, keeping one foot on the ground steadies an overactive imagination. Usa Today, USA Today, 2 May 2025 Your overactive immune response can lead to inflammation and congestion, among other symptoms. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Apr. 2025 So, Gemini can relate to the stress and lack of rest that Victoria goes through since the twin star has an overactive mind. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overactive

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overactive was in 1647

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Cite this Entry

“Overactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overactive. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

overactive

adjective
over·​ac·​tive ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv How to pronounce overactive (audio)
: very active and especially abnormally so
an overactive thyroid
overactivity noun

Medical Definition

overactive

adjective
over·​ac·​tive ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv How to pronounce overactive (audio)
: excessively or abnormally active
an overactive mind
overactive glands
overactivity noun
plural overactivities

More from Merriam-Webster on overactive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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