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

All things in moderation is classic health advice — and the same applies to alcohol: Don’t overthink (or over-drink). —Dylan Scott, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025

If draft value matches up with needs, don’t overthink it. —Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025

The talent drop-off won’t be significant, and the trade partner won’t overthink the value of a Day 2 pick. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025

But don’t overthink it: Money likes movement, not perfection. —Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 17 Dec. 2024

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