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

Consider upping the contrast and clarity, sharpening and pushing the saturation and luminance to bolster the red colors of totality — but be so careful not to overdo it. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

Don't overdo it: Too much intense exercise can weaken your immune system temporarily. 3. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 23 Feb. 2025

And the cost of making the wrong choice isn’t just financial — evidence suggests that overdoing it on products can be harmful, breaking down the skin’s natural protective barriers. —Emma Dibdin, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025

Indulgence will be particularly gratifying, just be mindful not to overdo it! —Kyle Thomas, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for overdo

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue

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