overgraze

Definition of overgrazenext

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 overgraze But unlike large mammals, the ants don’t overgraze all the vegetation in the area around their colony. Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 May 2022 Managers extended the fall season and provided winter openings to try to hit harvest targets, something Fish and Game says is important to keep the herd sustainable, and not so large that animals overgraze or starve. Zachariah Hughes, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Sep. 2021 As a result, proliferating shrimp could overgraze the algae that supports a healthy population, according to Luft. Brian Maffly, The Salt Lake Tribune, 7 Dec. 2020 Cattle and sheep overgraze on the zacaton, and farmers burn the grass to promote new growth in pastures and cut it for thatch. National Geographic, 23 Jan. 2020 In this case, individual Arizonans are being asked to guard the public good, while policy makers, developers and multinational corporations overgraze our water to the detriment of the greater good. John D'anna, azcentral, 15 Dec. 2019 Without sharks, fish would overgraze and destroy our oceans. Stephanie Bedo, Fox News, 16 July 2018 The factor may be that herbivores overgraze their range and run short of food. E O Wilson, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2012
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overgraze
Verb
  • In Wisconsin, dairy farms are smaller, herds are smaller, and cows are usually sent out to pasture to graze in good weather, which is not easy to come by in Wisconsin.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Another is to acquaint yourself with the courage and good-heartedness of those who are making it now, and who will one day lead us out to pasture.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • During this time, Duggar manipulated the victim’s underwear and grazed her genitals.
    Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The suspect was stuck in the shoulder while a stray bullet grazed a sleeping 71-year-old in a near by home.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Noise could disrupt the whales’ foraging behavior, while increased global warming — tied to the burning of fossil fuels, including oil and gas — could change where their prey fish live, Kiszka said.
    Tammy Webber, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Notably, most ingredients used in Dandelion’s menu are locally grown, foraged, and sourced.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overgraze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overgraze. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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