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
Verb
  • The last, written shortly after George Floyd’s death, implored people to listen to state-champion basketball coach Mike Bethea — a black man urging the public not to stereotype cops.
    Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • For every identity that is stereotyped or marginalized in mainstream pop culture, there are thousands, if not millions, of very different people whose individuality gets erased in the process.
    Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • However, the sky is overexposed and completely devoid of blue.
    Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The timeless, effortlessly cool silhouette has been hot for decades; Jennifer Aniston helped popularize it in the ‘90s and, yes, is still wearing it today.
    Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026
  • That idea is fairly commonplace now—but that’s because Perel helped popularize it.
    Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 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
Verb
  • Travelers are exhausted by the friction of commercial travel.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The performances were much needed for a team trying to avoid exhausting its pitching staff by October.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Edibles are frequently absorbed unevenly and impatience is one of the most common reasons first-timers end up overdoing it.
    Peter Su, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Be careful not to overdo it; once scooped, the frozen watermelon will melt faster.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As its name suggests, the beetle bores into trees, drilling tunnels to create breeding galleries.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Needless to say, Parker and Stone quickly got bored with the subject, adding a subplot that saw Obama teaming up with his apparent nemesis John McCain to dig a tunnel from the Oval Office to the Smithsonian and steal the Hope Diamond.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overuse. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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