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 This can happen if the arthritis is in your left hip or if the root cause is on your right side, but your body is compensating by overusing muscles on the left side of your back. Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025 Criticism of Hochul flying private comes after Republicans attacked her for overusing the state’s aircraft in 2022. Ross O'Keefe, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Jan. 2025 There are ways to stagger Bridges, Anunoby and Hart so that no one feels, in your words, overused. James L. Edwards Iii, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024 Using heat-protection sprays and blow-dry-specific products can also help minimize damage, though Sahin warned against overusing styling products. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overuse
Verb
  • In many cases, Bungalow Belt dwellers resented being stereotyped for expressing fears for which others are given a pass.
    Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Millennials have been stereotyped since, well, the turn of the century.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But if it is allowed to fade into irrelevance, or overexposed to the point of consumer indifference, the steep costs may not be worth it.
    Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Either the Chiefs’ one-man band on offense finally collapses under the weight of its lack of explosiveness, or the Eagles never spring the big run and leave Hurts overexposed against a tough defense.
    Andrew Greif, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Musk has had great success popularizing electric vehicles and building new rockets (though many still debate his direct involvement in the engineering).
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The rosary, dating back to the Middle Ages and popularized in the 16th century, remains one of Christianity's most recognizable symbols—whether held by the faithful, hanging from monks' belts, or draped around rearview mirrors.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
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
  • Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.
    Elizabeth Rosner, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The victim must be at least 65 years old, may be in danger due to health or suspicious reasons and the investigating agency has exhausted all its resources.
    Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Consider upping the contrast and clarity, sharpening and pushing the saturation and luminance to bolster the red colors of totality — but be so careful not to overdo it.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Don't overdo it: Too much intense exercise can weaken your immune system temporarily. 3.
    Sarah Jividen, Health, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • On one hand, there's a series of boring meet-and-greets Fisk is obligated to make.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
  • And, as someone who tends to do everything by scratch and get bored easily, Duren seems to push herself and her new team a lot.
    Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overuse. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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