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 While the analogy may be slightly overused, the challenge is that oil still needs to be refined into a useful end product. — Guy Courtin, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 Common mistakes like skipping morning water, overusing caffeine, or ignoring electrolytes can impact hydration. — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 7 July 2026 Although the word ‘hero’ is greatly overused in today’s society, in my mind, Calvin Duncan is a hero in the truest sense of that word. — Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 30 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 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
  • Despite being more prevalent now than ever, Chinese cuisine is still at times stereotyped or devalued.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • This phenomenon was most prominently displayed after George Floyd's death in 2020, when police officers were stereotyped across the country and the Black murder rate saw a 2,500-victim increase from the year before.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 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
  • Arrested Development helped popularize the documentary-style approach to sitcoms while parodying the dysfunction of wealthy families, piercing the cultural mythology surrounding them.
    — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the shoes were being worn by celebrities such as Gal Gadot, Madison Beer, Paris Jackson, Jordana Brewster, Saoirse Ronan and SZA, helping to further popularize the brand.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 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
  • This heats the air dramatically, expanding it and exhausting the hot gas at a much higher velocity than normal.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
  • That message resonated with Israelis exhausted by years of war, among them Hila Asayag, 49, whose son has served in Gaza and Lebanon.
    — Lior Soroka, Washington Post, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of exhaust
Verb
  • Green is also a fun way to add more personality to your home without overdoing it.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2026
  • And while hydration is important, Imtiaz warns not to overdo plain water that can dilute sodium to dangerous low levels in the blood.
    — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of overdo
Verb
  • Some bore ominous messages that could be read only under ultraviolet light.
    — Ed White, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Even after all our years together, life with Alan was never boring.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of bore

Browse Nearby Words

overturns
overuse
overused
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Cite this Entry

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

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