overdo

verb

over·​do ˌō-vər-ˈdü How to pronounce overdo (audio)

transitive verb

1
a
: to do in excess
b
: to use to excess
2
: to cook too long
3

intransitive verb

: to go to extremes

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.
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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overdo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdo. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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