OVERACTIVE Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

overactive

adjective

ˌō-vər-ˈak-tiv

Definition of overactive

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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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 Mood stabilizers influence brain receptors that release and maintain neurotransmitters, calm overactive circuits and strengthen cellular connections over time. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 In the nineties, Edenberg helped identify genetic differences linked to overactive ADH enzymes, which would cause people to turn alcohol into acetaldehyde more quickly. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 Consuming superpotent thyroid tablets can cause an overactive thyroid and issues like weight loss, heat intolerance, fatigue and hypertension, according to the notice. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 In both conditions, key immune cells, primarily T and B cells, become overactive and attack healthy tissues rather than protecting the body from pathogens. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overactive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overactive

Adjective

Funding for Platte County police came to a heated front in a county commission meeting earlier this year where Sheriff Erik Holland and Prosecuting Attorney Erik Zahnd vehemently argued that the law enforcement budget was too low.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026
The messages, reviewed by Semafor, were heated but respectful.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of heated

Adjective

Yoko said her daughter simply tried to prevent an agitated resident from biting others by putting her hand around the person’s chin.

— Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
When the door finally opened, an agitated young man who resembled Ryan Gosling (Rett Keeter) shined an LED flashlight directly into my eyes, a gesture that would become familiar over the next hour.

— Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of agitated

Adjective

The cultural idea that ADHD mostly impacts children is finally changing — no longer is the condition synonymous with fidgety, hyperactive kids.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 23 Oct. 2026
Jo, raised by her grandmother, is hyperactive, wild, free-spirited, and a talented artist but often acts out in school.

— Parents, Parents, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of hyperactive

Browse Nearby Words

overacting

overactive

overacts

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“Overactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overactive. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of overactive

adjective

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