-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
overactive
adjective
over·ac·tive
ˌō-vər-ˈak-tiv
: excessively or abnormally active
overactive glands
an overactive imagination
Synonyms
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
It is often associated with underlying health issues such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), or certain psychological disorders.
—Sarah Jividen, Health, 5 Dec. 2024
These include treating overactive bladder and urinary incontinence due to nerve conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury.
—Rosanna Sutherby, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2024
People with overactive bladders will have that urge to go when hearing running water from a sink, toilet or shower.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024
The exact cause of IBD remains uncertain, but it is thought to involve an overactive immune response, genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overactive
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1647, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near overactive
Cite this Entry
“Overactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overactive. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
overactive
adjective
over·ac·tive
ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv
: very active and especially abnormally so
an overactive thyroid
Medical Definition
overactive
adjective
over·ac·tive
ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv
: excessively or abnormally active
an overactive mind
overactive glands
More from Merriam-Webster on overactive
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share