overdo

verb

over·​do ˌō-vər-ˈdü How to pronounce overdo (audio)
Synonyms of overdonext

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
2
: to cook too long
3

intransitive verb

: to go to extremes

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
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.
But Jevons wasn’t overdoing it. Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026 Don’t overdo it; the end result should be lumpy, not powdery. ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026 Fortunately, there’s little danger of overdoing it on vitamin D from food alone. Sarah Garone, Health, 13 Mar. 2026 There aren't many downsides to eating fruit, although, as with anything, try not to overdo it. Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overdo

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of overdo was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overdo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdo. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

overdo

verb
over·​do -ˈdü How to pronounce overdo (audio)
overdid -ˈdid How to pronounce overdo (audio) ; overdone -ˈdən How to pronounce overdo (audio) ; overdoing -ˈdü-iŋ How to pronounce overdo (audio)
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

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