overthink

verb

over·​think ˌō-vər-ˈthiŋk 

overthought ˌō-vər-ˈthȯt  ; overthinking

transitive + intransitive

: to think too much about (something) : to put too much time into thinking about or analyzing (something) in a way that is more harmful than helpful

overthink a situation/problem

someone who overthinks and worries too much

"I was a terrible actor when I went to New York. I was scared. I would overprepare, sometimes overthink a role."

—Paul Newman

For a while now, I've been finding current fiction hard to read: airlessly competent, relentlessly put-together, overthought.

—David Gates

overthinker noun

plural overthinkers

But the problem is I'm an overthinker. I contemplate and consider, deliberate and debate things small and large in my life. Simple things become complicated and easy decisions become complex.

—Alyssa Meier

Examples of overthink in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Just don’t overthink it, try to get out of your comfort zone. —Heran Mamo, Billboard, 21 Jan. 2025

At the end of the day, don’t overthink your slots choice. —Christopher Gerlacher, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025

If single, don’t overthink your approach — just speak from the heart (or wherever the desire is stirring). —Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 18 Dec. 2024

From the unfussy wine list—it’s printed on a standard white sheet of paper—to the friendly bartenders’ banter, The Carriage’s aim is to help guests exhale, not overthink. —Kate Bernot, Bon Appétit, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above