overthink

verb

over·​think ˌō-vər-ˈthiŋk How to pronounce overthink (audio)
overthought ˌō-vər-ˈthȯt How to pronounce overthink (audio) ; overthinking

transitive + intransitive

: to think too much about (something) : to put too much time into thinking about or analyzing (something) in a way that is more harmful than helpful
overthink a situation/problem
someone who overthinks and worries too much
"I was a terrible actor when I went to New York. I was scared. I would overprepare, sometimes overthink a role."Paul Newman
For a while now, I've been finding current fiction hard to read: airlessly competent, relentlessly put-together, overthought.David Gates
overthinker noun
plural overthinkers
But the problem is I'm an overthinker. I contemplate and consider, deliberate and debate things small and large in my life. Simple things become complicated and easy decisions become complex. Alyssa Meier

Examples of overthink in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Don’t overthink it: Starch and heavy sauce is hard to beat on a cold day. Bradley Hohulin, The Indianapolis Star, 26 Nov. 2024 Most Popular Love Is Blind’s Taylor Krause Didn’t See Any of This Coming By Stephanie McNeal Ali Wong Shared the Sweetest Detail About Her Relationship With Bill Hader in Her New Comedy Special By Glamour Don't overthink it. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2024 Mercury in your sign will tempt you to overthink decisions. Essence, 1 Nov. 2024 Add to Your Coffee Table Collection Don’t overthink your pumpkin decorating. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overthink 

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overthink was in 1628

Dictionary Entries Near overthink

Cite this Entry

“Overthink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overthink. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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