overused

past tense of overuse
as in popularized
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 overused Just like credit scores today, which are, at best, meaningful heuristics but are grossly overused, the technology sometimes became a substitute for common sense. Brian Hamilton, Fortune, 1 Sep. 2025 The old Formula One adage that the first person a driver has to beat is their teammate may be overused. Luke Smith, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025 Lighting is often overused at night. Harold Wallace, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2025 The word timeless can sometimes be overused in fashion, but this is that word in action. Libby Page, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025 For those with sensitive skin — or if overused — AHAs can compromise the skin barrier, causing redness and irritation. Victoria Jowett, Refinery29, 1 Apr. 2025 Reddit users, bloggers and researchers have compiled a list of words and phrases most overused by ChatGPT. Kathryn Lancioni, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 Side effects can vary based on your overall condition and the specific vitamin or supplement overused. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2025 While an important tool in the toolbox, stop, question and frisk clearly had been overused, and abused. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overused
Verb
  • If most of your liabilities reprice simultaneously, you’re overexposed.
    Meelan Gupta, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • With the verbal exchanges seemingly exhausted, the two opponents will now let their actions speak loudly in the ring in Paris.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Already exhausted from working multiple jobs, the situation started to affect her sleep.
    Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This is, of course, a tremendously unfair characterization of the lunch lady, who, given her profession of feeding hungry children, ought to be stereotyped as saintly rather than monstrous.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Women are often stereotyped as less decisive than men, but, in reality, studies show that women and men are equally capable of making decisions quickly.
    Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The first instinct when bored at work is to search for a new job.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Or is being bored an inherent part of childhood, maybe even one with long-term benefits?
    Jana Pollack, Parents, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overused.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overused. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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