overprotective

as in protective
trying too hard to protect someone (such as a child) from danger His overprotective mother won't let him go out after dark. He is overprotective of his little sister.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overprotective
Adjective
  • There was a woman next to me who was really possessive of the armrest.
    Matt Villano, AFAR Media, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Has exhibited possessive or controlling behavior, and is in a recent or pending divorce or separation.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Nan, meanwhile, is resentful and jealous of the life Nanette gets to have on the outside.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
  • But when Ezra sparks a connection to a beautiful, enigmatic teacher named Hannah (Abbie Cornish), bonding with her son over his love of music, Sam becomes unreasonably jealous, leading to an inevitable clash between the trio.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Overprotective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overprotective. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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