overuse

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈyüz How to pronounce overuse (audio)
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 Meanwhile, existing antibiotics have been overused, and resistance has mounted to critical levels. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026 The fastest ways to lose that hotel feel include overusing plug-ins, which read as synthetic, and mixing too many competing fragrances at once. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026 Don’t Overdo the Booze While a preflight or in-flight cocktail might sound like a good idea to calm jangled nerves, both experts caution against overusing alcohol to manage anxiety in the air. — Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026 The Mets need to be careful about potentially overusing him and their other high-leverage relievers such as lefty Brooks Raley and right-hander Luke Weaver. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overuse
  1. stereotype
  2. overexpose
  3. popularize
  4. vulgarize
  5. exhaust
  6. overdo
  7. bore
Verb
  • Cause people stereotype the South and church people and all of that, so that was very important to me.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026
  • But cultural myths and urban legends have also stereotyped them into Halloween mascots, demonic beings and carriers of diseases.
    — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of stereotype
Verb
  • Imai had pitched twice in the previous 19 days, occupying a roster spot while leaving his fellow relievers overexposed.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • While some use leverage strategically, many are overexposed, risking severe losses when markets inevitably correct, proving even good ideas can fail without surviving volatility.
    — Andrew Graham, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of overexpose
Verb
  • The successful release proved that Linkin Park was here to stay, and also that the nu metal subgenre the band helped popularize at the turn of the century was not done ruling the airwaves.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Of course it’s also known for its authentic dishes that helped popularize Mexican food in the area and its strong margaritas.
    — Richard Guzman, Daily News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of popularize
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
Definition of vulgarize
Verb
  • Lucie, having exhausted all other possibilities, and needing Darnay in order to find her father, hires a very reluctant Carton, who in a trick worthy of Perry Mason, gets him off when a witness cannot tell him and Darnay apart.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Last month, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CNN that the US military had exhausted nearly 80% of its interceptors for a key missile defense system.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of exhaust
Verb
  • Electrolytes can give the body a charge, but try not to overdo it.
    — Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Oakleaf hydrangeas look best when they are allowed to grow to their natural shape, so there’s no need to overdo it.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of overdo
Verb
  • Dewey is the town sheriff; Gale has retired as a reporter and is married to him, but bored in Woodsboro.
    — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Some speciality areas like trucking can get brutal and boring with long hours.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of bore

Browse Nearby Words

overturns
overuse
overused
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overuse. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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