overdo

verb

over·​do ˌō-vər-ˈdü How to pronounce overdo (audio)
overdid ˌō-vər-ˈdid How to pronounce overdo (audio) ; overdone ˌō-vər-ˈdən How to pronounce overdo (audio) ; overdoing ˌō-vər-ˈdü-iŋ How to pronounce overdo (audio) ; overdoes ˌō-vər-ˈdəz 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
c
: exaggerate
2
: to cook too long
3
: exhaust

intransitive verb

: to go to extremes

Synonyms of overdo

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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.
Be careful not to overdo it; once scooped, the frozen watermelon will melt faster. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026 While the Rays are being careful not to overdo expectations for their highest draft pick in 18 years, Emerson is not shy at all about his goals. — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026 Over-Styling Your Shelves Styling your shelves with personal mementos, vintage treasures, and more can give your home an eclectic aesthetic—but don’t overdo it. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 21 July 2026 There aren’t many downsides to eating fruit, although, as with anything, try not to overdo it. — Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 13 July 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

Rhymes for overdo

See All Rhymes for overdo

Browse Nearby Words

overdiscount
overdo
overdocument
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overdo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdo. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on overdo

Nglish: Translation of overdo for Spanish Speakers

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