OVERLY Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

overly

adverb

ˈō-vər-lē

Definition of overly

as in too

beyond a normal or acceptable limit there's no need to be overly careful about the rough draft, since we'll polish it afterwards

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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 overly Yet future Israeli leaders may not be overly concerned about that problem, convinced that Israel, with its military might and technological edge, has too much to offer potential partners to be ignored or isolated. — Dalia Dassa Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2026 Speaking a few weeks after the launch of Tom Cruise-starring satirical polemic Digger, Wishart feels docs and features about this subject matter have become overly preachy. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026 Among the reasons Antetokounmpo believes the performances have been uneven through the first week of his new team’s season is teammates overly attempting to fit in, rather than to play to their strengths, to seize their individual moments. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 It’s believed to be overly burdensome by several of the studios. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overly

Adverb

These songs are very evidently arranged, with ticklish, left-field grooves and tight pockets—never too tight for the persistent, puckish charm, the elbow-nudging glee.

— Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
Ross started the second-half scoring, too, with another two handed flush off a pass from Demary, who started the fast break chance with his second steal of the game.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of too

Adverb

Gunn brought his signature blend of heart, humor, and needle drops, delivering an entertaining blockbuster that stood in clear contrast to the excessively dark DC films of the 2010s.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 Oct. 2026
Beauty trends are constantly evolving, and this year clearly favors a more textured and luminous complexion—one that isn’t excessively shiny.

— Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of excessively

Adverb

For a black artist like myself, forming and writing songs for a boy band is a form of code ditching, a way of seizing aesthetics and timbres that have been unduly withheld from my predecessors.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
The new process aims to prioritize scientific merit over unduly complicated engineering and financial planning during initial evaluations, and reduce selection timelines to encourage innovation.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of unduly

Browse Nearby Words

overloud

overly

overlying

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“Overly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overly. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of overly

adverb

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