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

b

: to use to excess

c

: exaggerate

2

: to cook too long

3

: exhaust

intransitive verb

: to go to extremes

Synonyms

• exaggerate
• overdraw
• overstate
• put on

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

Don’t overdo it, but do include social proof in your social media channels, email marketing and media. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

That film, like this one, wore its political message on its sleeve without overdoing it. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2025

Don't overdo it: Stick to a facial cleansing routine, but remember that cleaning too often can disrupt the stratum corneum, causing more sebum production. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 1 Jan. 2025

Turmeric and green tea lands people in hospital Depositphotos University of Michigan, Ann Arbor researchers found that around 15 million Americans could be putting their liver health at risk by overdoing it with popular supplements. —New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

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