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

Once Neptune enters Aries on March 30, a wave of inspiration could surround your daily life, but also some confusion around your work life or health journey — don’t overdo it or fall for unrealistic expectations. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025

But historical data suggests that most players overdo it—especially in smaller pools with fewer than 50 entrants. —Kilty Cleary, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025

Pairing it with smooth, bentwood chairs feels cohesive without overdoing it—as woven wicker-back chairs may have done. —Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025

The key is not to overdo it, something avid exercisers struggle with when sickness strikes. —Melanie Radzicki McManus, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for overdo

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue

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