overdo

verb

over·​do ˌō-vər-ˈdü 

overdid ˌō-vər-ˈdid  ; overdone ˌō-vər-ˈdən  ; overdoing ˌō-vər-ˈdü-iŋ  ; overdoes ˌō-vər-ˈdəz 

transitive verb

1

a

: to do in excess

Exercise regularly, but don't overdo it.

b

: to use to excess

had overdone it with the decorations

c

: exaggerate

2

: to cook too long

3

: exhaust

intransitive verb

: to go to extremes

Synonyms of overdo

• exaggerate

Examples of overdo in a Sentence

You should exercise every day, but don't overdo it.

The acting in that play was badly overdone.

Don't overdo the salt in this recipe.

The cook overdid the hamburgers.

Recent Examples on the Web

Experts say to avoid washing darks with linty fabrics, overdoing the detergent and using the heavy-duty wash cycle, among other tips. — Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026

Work within the context of your activity’s demands without overdoing it. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

Be careful not to overdo it and eat the whole container, which might cause a new sensation in your intestines—unpleasant, slightly sizzling. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Common Mistakes Deadheading can be a relaxing task, but don’t overdo it. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for overdo

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue

Kids Definition

overdo

verb

over·​do -ˈdü 

overdid -ˈdid  ; overdone -ˈdən  ; overdoing -ˈdü-iŋ 

1

: to do too much

overdoes it getting ready for a party

2

: exaggerate

overdo praise

3

: to cook too long

meat that is overdone