overcharging 1 of 2

Definition of overchargingnext
as in extortion
the exaction of a grossly excessive charge for goods or services stores that were prosecuted for overcharging during and after the hurricane

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overcharging

2 of 2

verb

present participle of overcharge
1
as in gouging
to charge (someone) too much for goods or services I think that store may have overcharged us for the shoes, which were supposed to be on sale

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2

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 overcharging
Noun
Because this was an intentional policy maneuver, rather than an accounting or process problem, and there is no guarantee that the federal government will reimburse this large amount of funds, this overcharging and accrual of unpaid federal funds has been flagged by DLS as a legislative issue. Steve Arentz, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026 While that’s substantial, even a much larger overcharging estimate on the part of PBMs would be a far cry from the $38 trillion national debt. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026 Jeevarajan’s team also subjected batteries to overcharging and to electrical shorts. Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Nov. 2025 But in January, Axon CEO and billionaire cofounder Rick Smith killed their deal, accusing Flock of overcharging and trying to lock customers into its products. Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
Twenty-five of the states that are part of the DOJ suit are also seeking damages from Live Nation, alleging that Ticketmaster has been overcharging fans. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 3 Mar. 2026 The health insurer accused Nutex Health, in letters to the Idaho Department of Insurance and the federal government, of routinely overcharging the insurer for treatment at its Post Falls hospital and misusing the federal process designed to help providers and insurers settle out-of-network claims. Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026 These maintain the battery with no chance of overcharging. John Paul, The Providence Journal, 23 Jan. 2026 Best Care was previously accused in civil court of fraudulently billing or overcharging the federal government for healthcare services that were never actually performed. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026 Last year, McDonald's sparked outrage after customers began sharing their experiences of being charged nearly $20 for a single Big Mac meal combo - which many accusing the fast-food brand, typically associated with affordable food, of overcharging. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025 California is the biggest target after the state self-reported overcharging the federal government for health care services delivered to immigrants without legal status, determined to be at least $500 million, spurring the threat of a lawsuit. Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2025 California is the biggest target after the state self-reported overcharging the federal government for health care services delivered to immigrants without legal status, determined to be at least $500 million, spurring the threat of a lawsuit. Angela Hart, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025 The owners are accused of overcharging in categories such as crematory fees, refrigeration fees, sales tax and several others. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overcharging
Noun
  • This government union extortion exercise needs to stop now.
    Lance Christensen, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Shell fired back on Monday, accusing Cipriani of defamation and extortion and of seeking to exploit their fleeting association to extract an undeserved payday.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Gillett contended the utilities were gouging the public.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026
  • However, the number of rent-gouging complaints received by the county continues to increase.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Use simple, clear explanations and focus on the ‘who, what, when, where, and why’ to provide structure without overloading.
    Ella Cerón, Parents, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Presumably, the prospect of raking in another nine figures should go a long way toward dispelling any fears of overloading the tryptophan-adjacent stretch of the NFL calendar.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Grohl refused to answer additional questions about his cheating, instead suggesting that the Foo Fighters’ upcoming album contains songs and lyrics that allude to it.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The cheating isn’t new, this argument goes; it’s just getting discovered and prosecuted more frequently.
    McKay Coppins, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates, still stinging from their unexpected Round of 16 Champions Cup elimination midweek, now turn their focus squarely on the MLS season for the next few months until the league breaks for the World Cup.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
  • The institute and federal ocean officials say those appendages, called cerata, hold the stinging cells in a concentrated form, making the slug’s sting especially potent.
    Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Now someone posts on social media that COVID-19, tariffs, or the war with Iran is going to nuke toilet paper stock, and strangers across the country start loading up their carts.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
  • And loading large garbage bags into Gary's truck.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This is the latest chapter in a saga that began nearly 10 years ago when Snyder was indicted in November 2016 on one count of defrauding the IRS and two counts of bribery, one involving towing contracts and the other involving garbage trucks.
    Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Jurors were asked to decide if two tweets and comments Musk made on a podcast in May 2022 amounted to him intentionally defrauding shareholders who sold their stock based on his statements.
    Staff, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • To reduce ice crystal formation and freezer burn, use airtight packaging and avoid overfilling the freezer so air can circulate properly.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 31 Jan. 2026
  • As for the after-show, the highlight (other than Jawan overfilling his champagne glass) had to be Jeff listing all the idols and advantages that were played incorrectly or unnecessarily.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overcharging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overcharging. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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