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
  • Bison roam freely, wild horses graze on ridges, and entire prairie dog towns pop up along the roadside.
    Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Prized for its blue-green veins, creamy yet crumbly texture, and compelling sweet yet pungent tang, this cheese begins from the raw milk of Lacaune sheep that graze in the Roquefort region of France.
    Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Bears also may start foraging for spring vegetation and berries.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Aim for the hole and spray into the nest during the evening when the wasps are inactive and aren’t out foraging.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overgraze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overgraze. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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