overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-vər-ˈak-tiv 

: excessively or abnormally active

overactive glands

an overactive imagination

overactivity

ˌō-vər-ak-ˈti-və-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• agitated
• excited
• feverish
• frenzied
• heated
• hectic
• hyperactive
• overwrought

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overactive

• bioactive
• hyperactive
• interactive
• nonreactive
• psychoactive
• putrefactive
• retroactive
• unattractive
• unreactive
• vasoactive
• active
• tractive

Kids Definition

overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv 

: very active and especially abnormally so

an overactive thyroid

overactivity

-rak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

Medical Definition

overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv 

: excessively or abnormally active

an overactive mind

overactive glands

overactivity

-ˌrak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

plural overactivities