overstep

verb

over·​step ˌō-vər-ˈstep 

overstepped; overstepping; oversteps

transitive verb

: exceed, transgress

Synonyms

• break
• exceed
• outreach
• outrun
• overpass
• overreach
• overrun
• overshoot
• surpass
• transcend

Examples of overstep in a Sentence

the principal overstepped her authority in ordering everyone to remain in the unheated school

Recent Examples on the Web

Coaches must navigate bureaucracy, enhance influence without overstepping and align personal growth with organizational values to balance individual and collective priorities. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

While the specifics of each individual case are different, the question is practically identical: Is Trump overstepping his power to pause or cancel federal spending that Congress authorized and appropriated? —Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025

Many Reddit users have sided with the poster, claiming her father is overstepping. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025

Supervisor Nate Miley questioned the efficacy of creating the new committee and its potential for overstepping supervisors and the county’s agencies. —Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing overstep

• overstep the bounds/limits
• overstep the mark/line

Rhymes for overstep

• multistep
• bicep
• doorstep
• footstep
• instep
• lockstep
• misstep
• sidestep
• cep
• hep
• pep
• prep

Kids Definition

overstep

verb

over·​step -ˈstep 

: to step over or beyond : exceed

overstepped their authority