overly

adverb

over·​ly ˈō-vər-lē How to pronounce overly (audio)
Synonyms of overlynext
: to an excessive degree : too

Synonyms of overly

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Examples of overly in a Sentence

These directions are overly complex. She's overly sensitive to criticism. They didn't seem overly concerned about the problem.
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.
Amendment 3 assumes the caps on non-homestead properties will prevent overly burdensome tax increases on those properties. — Abigail Hall, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 That's an important detail because investors have grown increasingly concerned that hyperscalers are becoming overly reliant on a handful of customers, such as OpenAI and Anthropic, for their massive AI infrastructure investments. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 30 July 2026 One way to discourage the habit would be to keep yourself from becoming overly tired. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 30 July 2026 Health policy researchers and hospice administrators worry that the negative attention on the industry and potential for overly punitive regulations could put California patients and taxpayers on the losing end. — Laurie Udesky, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for overly

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Browse Nearby Words

overlusty
overly
overman
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

overly

adverb
over·​ly ˈō-vər-lē How to pronounce overly (audio)
: to an excessive degree : too

More from Merriam-Webster on overly

Nglish: Translation of overly for Spanish Speakers

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