overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-vər-ˈak-tiv 

: excessively or abnormally active

overactive glands

an overactive imagination

overactivity

ˌō-vər-ak-ˈti-və-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• agitated
• excited
• feverish
• frenzied
• heated
• hectic
• hyperactive
• overwrought

Examples of overactive in a Sentence

She has an overactive bladder.

His crazy ideas are products of an overactive imagination.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) where overactive immune responses cause inflammation and ulcers in the colon (large intestine). —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 12 Feb. 2025

But conditions like an overactive thyroid, menopause, or early onset of a serious infection can, too, Gee says. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025

Red light, for example, has been shown to improve acne by reducing inflammation, neutralizing acne-causing bacteria and targeting overactive oil glands. —Varsha Patel, refinery29.com, 29 Dec. 2024

For example, diaphragmatic breathing can help calm the overactive nervous system and regulate breathing. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overactive

• bioactive
• hyperactive
• interactive
• nonreactive
• psychoactive
• putrefactive
• retroactive
• unattractive
• unreactive
• vasoactive
• active
• tractive

Kids Definition

overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv 

: very active and especially abnormally so

an overactive thyroid

overactivity

-rak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

Medical Definition

overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv 

: excessively or abnormally active

an overactive mind

overactive glands

overactivity

-ˌrak-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun

plural overactivities