as in too
beyond a normal or acceptable limit
there's no need to be overly careful about the rough draft, since we'll polish it afterwards
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Recent Examples of overly
In a separate case, a group of plaintiffs identifying as non-African Americans filed a lawsuit in western Louisiana, arguing that the new map violated the Constitution by overly prioritizing race.
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
While Morrissey initially seemed amused, he was forced to leave when a few overly eager fans inadvertently knocked him to the ground.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024
The sheets also didn’t become overly wrinkly after going through the wash—a nice plus.
—Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
That’s when Hernández found the right-field corner with a line drive that got past an overly aggressive route from outfielder Juan Soto.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overly 
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
While Morrissey initially seemed amused, he was forced to leave when a few overly eager fans inadvertently knocked him to the ground.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024
The sheets also didn’t become overly wrinkly after going through the wash—a nice plus.
—Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
That’s when Hernández found the right-field corner with a line drive that got past an overly aggressive route from outfielder Juan Soto.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overly
Adverb
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If 10 hours on stand are too much, sleep in, sneak to your spot at 9 a.m., and hunt out the rest of the day.Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
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The legislature approved the bill in late March and a few weeks later overrode a veto by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, who said the bill advanced too quickly and that there should be a testing period before fully autonomous vehicles are allowed to drive in the state.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Adverb
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Good tax policy is simple and transparent and raises revenue for core government functions without unduly discouraging work and investment.Adam A. Millsap, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
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Anti-exploitation groups have long called for the terms of the scheme to be changed to allow workers more flexibility to change employer, ensure costs are not unduly placed on the workers themselves, and provide them more avenues to raise concerns.Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Adverb
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Incumbent Carmen Montano and Councilmember Hon Lien are locked in an extremely close mayoral race in Milpitas.Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
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At first, the girls are only in danger of being forced to listen to one man’s extremely pretentious opinions about religion, philosophy, culture, and yes, pop music, which is terrifying in itself.Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Overly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overly. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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