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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Recent Examples of overprotective
But overprotective matriarch Gladys Gibbes (Spencer) is a true steel magnolia whose massive celebrity-chef persona will take all of Rachel’s bless-her-heart best to survive.
—
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
These 2025 Best of Beauty Award winners offer all the overprotective pros without any aggravating cons.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Olivia Cooke’s Cherry makes out with Laura’s son in public, lies about her knowledge of art, and seems to be hiding a secret—or is Laura overprotective?
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2025
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
These 2025 Best of Beauty Award winners offer all the overprotective pros without any aggravating cons.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Olivia Cooke’s Cherry makes out with Laura’s son in public, lies about her knowledge of art, and seems to be hiding a secret—or is Laura overprotective?
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overprotective
Adjective
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The site is also relatively isolated from human activity due to chemical contamination, creating a protective bubble for wildlife.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
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The oldest, Josiah, who’s 16, has become more protective of his younger brothers, his great aunts said.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Christy costars Ben Foster as Martin's manager-turned-husband James, initially depicted as loving and supportive (one shot shows Christy gleefully leaping into his arms after winning a match), but eventually revealed as possessive and dangerous.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Lepkowski described her cousin's ex as possessive, controlling and physically abusive.—
Nushrat Rahman,
Freep.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Union’s followers didn’t seem jealous nor have FOMO.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
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After an evil and jealous witch casts a spell on young Sophie that ages her prematurely, Howl must use all his magical talents to set things right.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overprotective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overprotective. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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