overdo

verb

over·​do ˌō-vər-ˈdü 

overdid ˌō-vər-ˈdid  ; overdone ˌō-vər-ˈdən  ; overdoing ˌō-vər-ˈdü-iŋ  ; overdoes ˌō-vər-ˈdəz 

transitive verb

1

a

: to do in excess

b

: to use to excess

c

: exaggerate

2

: to cook too long

3

: exhaust

intransitive verb

: to go to extremes

Synonyms

• exaggerate
• overdraw
• overstate
• put on

Examples of overdo in a Sentence

You should exercise every day, but don't overdo it.

The acting in that play was badly overdone.

Don't overdo the salt in this recipe.

The cook overdid the hamburgers.

Recent Examples on the Web

Don’t overdo it — don’t go back to the gym too soon. —Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024

Treat snow blowing like a workout: Take regular breaks and avoid overdoing it. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2024

Join 2 others in the comments View Comments To take your activity up a notch without overdoing it, Santas recommends bringing simple tools for simple activities. —Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 24 Nov. 2024

Featuring a natural frosty brown color and a gentle glow, this tree provides a simple yet beautiful way to participate in neighborhood festivities without overdoing it. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

overdo

verb

over·​do -ˈdü 

overdid -ˈdid  ; overdone -ˈdən  ; overdoing -ˈdü-iŋ 

1

: to do too much

overdoes it getting ready for a party

2

: exaggerate

overdo praise

3

: to cook too long

meat that is overdone