as in heated
being in a state of increased activity or agitation
the boy manages to panic himself by his own overactive imagination
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Recent Examples of overactive
Sleep disturbances also lead to greater inflammation, which is when the immune system’s natural responses become overactive.
—
Jenalee Doom, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
Based on these three levels, a doctor can determine whether the thyroid is underactive or overactive.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025
New drugs to treat alopecia areata called JAK inhibitors were approved in just the last few years, which target the part of the immune system that has become overactive and attacks the hair follicles.
—Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 23 Nov. 2025
Our spy senses are overactive, leading to paranoia.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overactive
Jenalee Doom, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
Based on these three levels, a doctor can determine whether the thyroid is underactive or overactive.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025
New drugs to treat alopecia areata called JAK inhibitors were approved in just the last few years, which target the part of the immune system that has become overactive and attacks the hair follicles.
—Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 23 Nov. 2025
Our spy senses are overactive, leading to paranoia.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overactive
Adjective
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Video shows a New York Rangers fan push a Boston Bruins fan down the stairs at TD Garden after a series of heated exchanges, court documents reveal.—
Riley Rourke,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
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On Monday, Watkins and Hulsey had to be separated by the on-duty sergeant before their heated face-off escalated during a recess.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Scherzinger glowed with an excited expression, her arms raised again in the air.—
Danielle Minnetian,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
A lot of us are excited to refresh our spaces in the new year.—
Shagun Khare,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Cowboys tussle with agitated horses.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
20 Jan. 2026
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The central figures of the fountain feature Oceana (also known as Neptune), along with Triton with an agitated horse, and Triton with a calm horse.—
Marina Watts,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This hyperactive rhythm section allowed Belew and Fripp to expand the definition of lead guitarists.—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
11 Jan. 2026
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The Aussie trio’s rowdy rants, unpretentious attitudes and pub accents come across as the hyperactive equivalent of chasing a can of Red Bull with a round of Malort shots.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overactive. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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