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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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 After an intriguing start to the second act, the pacing begins to lag before resolving with an overly tidy and quick ending. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026 Nothing feels overly constructed, and no one element is the focal point. — Marci Robin, Allure, 15 Sep. 2026 Going too long without eating can leave you overly hungry by lunchtime. — Lindsey Desoto, HEALTH, 15 Sep. 2026 They’re slightly relaxed through the leg without feeling overly baggy. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overly

Adverb

But Luján says his colleagues are eager to visit him in New Mexico, too, even though Republicans struggled to even field a candidate against him.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026
But on health insurance, too, the 2025 numbers don't reflect changes already underway this year.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of too

Adverb

Both can get the job done, but chemical exfoliants may be too irritating for those with sensitive skin or excessively dry scalps.

— Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2026
The direct heat helps re-crisp the bottom of the crust, while the lid traps heat, so the cheese and toppings warm through without the crust becoming excessively dry.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of excessively

Adverb

In its counterarguments, Google contended would be unduly harsh to break up a complex network that distributes ads that online publishers depend upon to help finance digital services used by millions of consumers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026
Throughout the appellate process, the AG’s office has contended that even accepting that there may have been an RJA violation, the error was harmless and did not unduly influence the jury’s original verdict.

— Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 1 Sep. 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 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of overly

adverb

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