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

How Allergies Can Lead to Dizziness Allergies are caused by your immune system having an overactive response to an allergen. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Apr. 2025

This was different from the oohs and ahhs at Marvel products, whose viewers merely go along with standard overactive, violent manipulation. —Armond White, National Review, 16 Apr. 2025

Glimmers can help counteract an overactive stress response by training the brain to recognize safety. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

Research has consistently linked higher stress and anxiety levels with overactive bladder symptoms. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 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