overprotective

Definition of overprotectivenext
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.

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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 overprotective Helen becomes overprotective of her sisters while struggling with her own emotional wellbeing. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026 His overprotective Greek mother often kept him at home after school, so Papadopoulos delved into pop culture. Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026 In the wedding comedy, Ferrell, 50, stars as Jim Caldwell, an overprotective father who plans his daughter’s dream wedding, and Feimster as Captain Barry, the ferry boat driver who transports the guests to the wedding. Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026 Here, Oli, Tad’s intrepid daughter, turns him into an overprotective father. John Hopewell, Variety, 19 June 2026 The boy’s name is Petros (Karydis) must hide behind a mask per his strict grandmother, who is the mayor, and his overprotective mother. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2026 Jeon-bok is overprotective of her beloved granddaughter, who lives life with a dangerous heart condition. Kayti Burt, Time, 15 May 2026 Pascal has a deep connection to The Virgin Suicides, Sofia Coppola’s 1999 feature directorial debut, which stars Kirsten Dunst as Lux Lisbon—one of five sisters raised by overprotective Catholic parents. José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026 The original 2003 Pixar movie, produced for Walt Disney Pictures, tells the story of an overprotective clownfish, Marlin, searching for his missing son, Nemo. Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overprotective
Adjective
  • Though sympathetic to the onslaught of treatments Zai is facing, the meek, protective Minoti warns her of the repercussions of rebellion.
    Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2026
  • She was eventually taken into the custody of child protective services in Texas.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • One of her sisters, Sierra Francis, was especially horrified by Miller’s possessive nature.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The friends told police that Benedict had become possessive of Pitulic, and had accused her of cheating.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • But no need to be jealous because that was not a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
    Jennet Jusu, Allure, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Nina Shipman, who came from a prominent show business family to star alongside Fred MacMurray in The Oregon Trail and step in for Grandpa in a ploy to make Lily jealous on one of the wackiest episodes of The Munsters, has died.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overprotective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overprotective. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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