Definition of overusenext
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 Turning Up the Heat Too High Too Fast High heat has its place, but it is often overused. Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026 Rights groups warn the measure, introduced in March 2025, is now being overused by authorities. ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026 Erie, for example, is one of the communities currently threatening to cut off water access to residents who are overusing water at this time. Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026 Dallas’ blue line has more depth in terms of numbers, but its top three producers have been overused. Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overuse
Verb
  • When younger generations don’t have interactions or relationships with older adults having vibrant lives, later chapters of life can be stereotyped as a time of pain, difficulty and loss, Emery-Tiburcio said.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
  • At a time when younger workers are often stereotyped as quick to abandon jobs that feel difficult or unrewarding, Dimon said discomfort is part of the process.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Talent can lose trust, seem overexposed, fall out of sync with the moment, or simply become less compelling.
    Lin Cherry, Fortune, 17 May 2026
  • Not all are stars yet, and even some of the more talented players get overexposed, but these people can generally play the roles required of them.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Cambria helped popularize quartz countertops The Davis family founded Cambria in 1999, and then spent decades helping to make quartz into one of the most popular materials in kitchen design.
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 17 May 2026
  • Ross Barnes’ exciting exploits helped popularize the neophyte sport.
    Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • His versions were full-blooded, with lush strings and reasonably large orchestras — and, purists alleged — vulgarizing distortions.
    BostonGlobe.com, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Oct. 2019
  • Ever since his rise to power, Trump has served as a vulgarizing agent.
    Leon Neyfakh, Slate Magazine, 2 June 2017
Verb
  • Specifically, the program targets gap funding, financial support for students who are academically on track to graduate but have exhausted every other source of aid and still face an outstanding balance that could prevent them from finishing.
    CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 14 May 2026
  • At the school board meeting, many parents said they were exhausted from battling their kids over screen time.
    Sharon Lurye, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Mulch can create a natural breeding ground for earwigs, which is beneficial, but don’t overdo it.
    Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • One caveat for those seeking to dive into pore care, Idriss warns to not overdo it.
    Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Super exciting one at the beginning, long boring one next, quick changeover after that.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
  • In other words, don’t bore the viewers.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overuse. Accessed 26 May. 2026.

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