Thesaurus results for OVERUSE

overuse

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈyüz

as in to stereotype

to use so much as to make less appealing she had overused that joke to the point where it was eliciting groans and not guffaws

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 overuse So, if the idea of culture is overused, its importance tells the path to success — or failure. —

Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2026 Results build gradually, so skipping days or overusing strong formulas can set you back. —

Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 17 Jan. 2026 Acting early and avoiding common mistakes like overusing salt or chipping with metal tools reduces damage and injury risk. —

Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 16 Jan. 2026 Lastly, Abbas notes that, like any exfoliant, citric acid can cause dryness, irritation, or sensitivity if overused or used in very high concentrations. —

Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overuse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overuse

Verb

Kelly Enders-Tharp, a three-time surrogate and education and experience specialist at Growing Generations, explains that surrogates are often stereotyped, or that their backgrounds are misrepresented.

— Kris Ann Valdez, Parents, 13 Feb. 2026
Many of the musicians and audience members belonged to a generation that’s often stereotyped as languishing in apathy and isolation—but whose indignation about the suffering in Gaza has far outpaced that of other generations.

— Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026