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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
An overly strong color won’t earn you any bonus points either.
—
Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 14 Jan. 2026
Among the most classic of office dresses, a button-down shirtdress, usually made from a stiff cotton, silk, or corduroy, is dressy without feeling overly fussy.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 13 Jan. 2026
Davis’ book makes sense of all this without being overly didactic.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Internal projects often start with incomplete or overly simple instructions.
—Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overly
Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 14 Jan. 2026
Among the most classic of office dresses, a button-down shirtdress, usually made from a stiff cotton, silk, or corduroy, is dressy without feeling overly fussy.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 13 Jan. 2026
Davis’ book makes sense of all this without being overly didactic.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Internal projects often start with incomplete or overly simple instructions.
—Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overly
Adverb
-
Eating too much saturated fat can raise your cholesterol, a waxy substance that can build up in your arteries, narrowing and constricting them, and affecting blood flow.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
15 Jan. 2026
-
For You Page fueling the resurgence—celebrities of all ages have eagerly embraced the trend, too.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
15 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Decrease the Humidity Level in Your Home If your home is excessively humid, the moisture can settle on the floor and leave it slippery.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Beck has been excessively maligned considering the career body of work, his record as a starter now 37-5.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
If Rozier is paying for Laster’s attorney, that could unduly affect his friend's own defense, prosecutors said.—
Tom Winter,
NBC news,
17 Dec. 2025
-
Debate over permitting reform in the US used to hinge on the contest between renewables and fossil fuels; previous bills have often failed because of lawmakers’ inability to convince both sides of the aisle that cutting red tape for one technology won’t unduly help or hinder another.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
16 Dec. 2025
Adverb
-
They’re designed with roomy interiors and tons of compartments that make organizing your packing essentials extremely easy.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Sortke 18x18-Inch Set of 2 Throw Pillow Covers This two-pack of throw pillow covers is extremely discounted right now.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overly. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
