as in stereotyping
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
Relevance
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 overusing
In some cases, overusing a fine-tooth comb could even backfire.
—
Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2026
Erie, for example, is one of the communities currently threatening to cut off water access to residents who are overusing water at this time.
—Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
Where younger adults tend to become isolated after overusing smartphones, older adults tend to turn to phones after cognitive declines or being isolated from family and friends.
—Emily Kwong, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026
The perception problem While filler words can help conversations flow, research suggests overusing them may signal uncertainty or a shaky command of the material (or language in general).
—Angela Haupt, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Revenge and Williams say that precision, without overusing heat, is key.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
Education experts and parent advocates who are concerned about schools overusing devices for instruction said the documents shed new light, in candid detail, on the business motivations behind one of the biggest technology companies marketing its products to teachers and school administrators.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 23 Jan. 2026
Results build gradually, so skipping days or overusing strong formulas can set you back.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 17 Jan. 2026
Acting early and avoiding common mistakes like overusing salt or chipping with metal tools reduces damage and injury risk.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 16 Jan. 2026
Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2026
Erie, for example, is one of the communities currently threatening to cut off water access to residents who are overusing water at this time.
—Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
Where younger adults tend to become isolated after overusing smartphones, older adults tend to turn to phones after cognitive declines or being isolated from family and friends.
—Emily Kwong, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026
The perception problem While filler words can help conversations flow, research suggests overusing them may signal uncertainty or a shaky command of the material (or language in general).
—Angela Haupt, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Revenge and Williams say that precision, without overusing heat, is key.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
Education experts and parent advocates who are concerned about schools overusing devices for instruction said the documents shed new light, in candid detail, on the business motivations behind one of the biggest technology companies marketing its products to teachers and school administrators.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 23 Jan. 2026
Results build gradually, so skipping days or overusing strong formulas can set you back.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 17 Jan. 2026
Acting early and avoiding common mistakes like overusing salt or chipping with metal tools reduces damage and injury risk.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overusing
Verb
-
Jordan also describes stereotyping on set, recalling producers reducing her to racial tropes, while adding that Black contestants who approached Barker would sometimes be met with visible discomfort.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Mar. 2026
-
That absence increases the risk of caricature and stereotyping in AI image outputs of the Black community.—
Donnetta Monk,
Essence,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Many people damage their nails by picking at their cuticles, for example, or drying them out by overexposing them to water.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
21 Feb. 2026
-
That range can provide diversification benefits without overexposing retirees to price swings that don't generate dividends or interest.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But nighttime pain that woke me every few hours was likely from overdoing, Bugbee’s nurse explained.—
Nicole Sours Larson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Don't Go Overboard with Pillows One easy way to keep from clogging up the bedroom is not overdoing it with throw pillows.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In some ways, the Wolfpack were already destined for a reset, with veterans like Tre Holloman, Darrion Williams, Quadir Copeland and Ven-Allen Lubin all exhausting their eligibility.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Instead, America seems to be exhausting itself and its arsenals in the Middle East.—
Andreas Kluth,
Twin Cities,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Chicken for dinner doesn't have to be boring.—
Phoebe Evans,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Don’t worry about being boring yourself.—
Barbara Mantel,
NBC news,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overusing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overusing. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
