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

Stay curious, stay learning, but don't overthink it. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Since the couple has never said that to each other before, and saying it in a voice note is strangely casual for Gregory, Janine characteristically overthinks the situation. —Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025

Our backtests show business quality outweighs entry price in driving market outperformance, so don’t overthink valuation timing. —Stockstory Team, CNBC, 22 Feb. 2025

Remember to stay present and to not overthink technique too much. —Quispe López, Them, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overthink

• bobolink
• countersink
• bethink
• downlink
• groupthink
• hoodwink
• rethink
• uplink
• blink
• brink
• chink
• cinque