as in heated
being in a state of increased activity or agitation
the boy manages to panic himself by his own overactive imagination
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of overactive
Much of the onscreen conflict involves Colin’s parents, who, unlike their literary counterparts, know that their son is gay and take an embarrassingly overactive role in nurturing his love life.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
Melasma is triggered by hormonal shifts after birth, especially changes in estrogen, which can keep pigment-producing cells overactive even after delivery.
—Alex Vance, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026
In contrast, pathogenic inflammation can stem from overactive immune cells releasing inflammatory signals after a prolonged response to a bacteria or virus.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 19 Jan. 2026
Why Proteinuria Occurs With C3G Complement 3 glomerulopathy is caused when the complement system—a part of the immune system that fights infection—becomes overactive.
—Md Published, Verywell Health, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overactive
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
Melasma is triggered by hormonal shifts after birth, especially changes in estrogen, which can keep pigment-producing cells overactive even after delivery.
—Alex Vance, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026
In contrast, pathogenic inflammation can stem from overactive immune cells releasing inflammatory signals after a prolonged response to a bacteria or virus.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 19 Jan. 2026
Why Proteinuria Occurs With C3G Complement 3 glomerulopathy is caused when the complement system—a part of the immune system that fights infection—becomes overactive.
—Md Published, Verywell Health, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overactive
Adjective
-
Huitzilin exited his vehicle holding up his own camera phone alongside his wife, and the two groups got into a heated exchange, according to video played in court.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Paramount and Netflix were locked in a months-long heated bidding war over WBD, which had fallen into financial disrepair.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The wedding may be in the past, but Law Roach is indeed excited for Zendaya’s busy future.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Santos’ 4-year-old daughter — and likely countless others — is already excited to don her first stethoscope.—
Hunter Boyce,
AJC.com,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In 2024, Ryan Gainer’s family called 911 for support when the 15-year-old became agitated.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
-
After a stint in jail and rehab, Marcee Gray lived with Colin and their three children in July and August 2024 and noticed their oldest, Colt Gray, then 14, was riddled with anxiety, easily agitated and had a panic attack.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In resistant hypertension, this signaling becomes hyperactive, driving persistent elevation despite medication.—
MemorialCare,
Oc Register,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Gabriel Martinelli was next on the scene, then Jurrien Timber, who was followed by a jubilant William Saliba, cavorting like a hyperactive toddler.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overactive. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
