OVERSTAY Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

overstay

verb

Definition of overstay

as in to outstay

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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 overstay 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 According to Dougherty, the suspect in that case was reportedly in the United States illegally after overstaying a visa. — Jeff Gurney, CBS News, 22 May 2026 None of the songs overstay their welcome. — Liza Lentini, SPIN, 15 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

The floods drew attention to still unhealed wounds — and lingering regrets.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
But perhaps the performance that lingers most in our minds is that of Elliot Page, 39, who in just a few short scenes anchors the film with his guileless sincerity and righteous anger.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 19 July 2026

Definition of linger

Verb

There’s just a better version lurking inside, one that could’ve elevated the action-chase genre instead of merely loitering there.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026
But years drag on with no news of the king’s whereabouts, and more than 100 suitors loiter in his palace day in and day out, vying to woo Penelope and take the throne.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Definition of loiter

Verb

La Roja is a far more patient team, preferring to keep possession and pass their opponent to death, waiting for any momentary lapse of concentration.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Zidane has been waiting for this moment for five years, and expectations are sky high.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of wait

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overstating

overstay

overstayed

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“Overstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overstay. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of overstay

verb

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