OVERSTAY Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

overstay

verb

Definition of overstay

as in to outstay

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 overstay Oh, and that’s not counting a potential $70,000 in citation revenue from drivers who overstay their time. — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 20 June 2026 The Nigerian immigrant accused of overstaying his visa was injured during his arrest and later dragged out of the hospital by federal agents, according to The New York Times. — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 But the story takes care not to overstay its welcome. — Alex James Kane, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 People who may have entered through other visa categories or overstayed their visa may have a harder time, Karaahmet said. — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for overstay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overstay

Verb

Better to outstay your welcome than give it all up too soon.

— Phil Hay, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Lexx reinvented itself each season, and Season 3 — set on the planets of Fire and Water — didn't outstay its welcome at 13 episodes.

— Chris McMullen, Space.com, 2 Aug. 2025

Definition of outstay

Verb

As the train gains elevation, dense coastal forest gradually gives way to alpine tundra, glacial lakes, rocky peaks, and, early in the season, lingering snowfields before reaching the White Pass Summit at 2,885 feet.

— Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026
The next chance of showers and storms arrives Thursday and lingers through the end of the workweek as much muggier-feeling weather blows back into Maryland.

— Cutter Martin, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of linger

Verb

At the same time, Iran has reportedly modified another one of its Shahed series of loitering munitions based directly on combat lessons derived from Russia’s war on Ukraine.

— Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
There was late-night noise, people drinking or lingering on the front steps of the residential building, and bar patrons blocking access to the apartment parking entrance and loitering around the nearby DASH bus stop.

— Isaac Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of loiter

Verb

While the Reeder family continues to wait for answers — from psychics or elsewhere — Sophie’s father has begun to make peace with the agonizing situation that has now prompted authorities to seek clarity from the beyond.

— Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
The trucks wait until all those in the area are ready before traveling in convoys to packing plants, accompanied by police patrols to prevent robberies.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of wait

Browse Nearby Words

overstating

overstay

overstayed

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Overstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overstay. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of overstay

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

balmy

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes