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
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Recent Examples of overuse
The perception problem While filler words can help conversations flow, research suggests overusing them may signal uncertainty or a shaky command of the material (or language in general).
—
Angela Haupt, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Revenge and Williams say that precision, without overusing heat, is key.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
Education experts and parent advocates who are concerned about schools overusing devices for instruction said the documents shed new light, in candid detail, on the business motivations behind one of the biggest technology companies marketing its products to teachers and school administrators.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 23 Jan. 2026
So, if the idea of culture is overused, its importance tells the path to success — or failure.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overuse
Angela Haupt, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Revenge and Williams say that precision, without overusing heat, is key.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
Education experts and parent advocates who are concerned about schools overusing devices for instruction said the documents shed new light, in candid detail, on the business motivations behind one of the biggest technology companies marketing its products to teachers and school administrators.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 23 Jan. 2026
So, if the idea of culture is overused, its importance tells the path to success — or failure.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overuse
Verb
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Latinos are a fundamental part of American history and culture, and one of the largest communities in the United States, yet their presence in Hollywood has long been limited, stereotyped, or overlooked.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
13 Apr. 2026
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Accounting, long stereotyped as dull and tedious, has struggled for years to attract young talent.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The private credit industry has been roiled in recent months by concerns that it is overexposed to the software industry – an area that’s been under pressure over fears of disintermediation from artificial intelligence.—
Leslie Picker,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
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Journalists related stories to Brown of the future princess giving them the slip, joking with them, managing her media relations so she wouldn’t be overexposed or maligned.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Celebrities like Suki Waterhouse and Kylie Jenner have helped popularize the style with eye-catching dual-diamond designs.—
Freya Drohan,
InStyle,
9 Apr. 2026
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The pro-Orban sentiment so common among conservatives today follows years of efforts spearheaded by the Fidesz government to popularize his model of statecraft among American conservatives.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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His versions were full-blooded, with lush strings and reasonably large orchestras — and, purists alleged — vulgarizing distortions.—
BostonGlobe.com,
BostonGlobe.com,
28 Oct. 2019
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Ever since his rise to power, Trump has served as a vulgarizing agent.—
Leon Neyfakh,
Slate Magazine,
2 June 2017
Verb
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Floyd also reasoned that the case shouldn’t be regarded as moot, even though the players have exhausted their NCAA eligibility.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
8 Apr. 2026
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The Horned Frogs must also replace key players who exhausted their eligibility in Big 12 Player of the Year Olivia Miles, Taylor Bigby, 6-7 center Kennedy Basham and Suarez.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That means proper cleaning and not overdoing frequency.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
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Soil with high nutrients can actually reduce cosmos blooms, so don’t overdo the fertilizer.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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All of the world’s greatest golfers combined are boring compared to Tiger and his now Elvis-like descent.—
Mac Engel
April 9,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
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An InStyle fashion writer is recommending her mom swap her usual boring one-piece swimsuits for a tankini.—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overuse. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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