as in to stereotype
to use so much as to make less appealing
she had overused that joke to the point where it was eliciting groans and not guffaws
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of overuse
Using heat-protection sprays and blow-dry-specific products can also help minimize damage, though Sahin warned against overusing styling products.
—
Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
But overusing them can strip away your skin's natural moisturizing oils, Dr. Lenzy explains.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Dec. 2024
Others may be nervous about overusing sanctions, as Steven Mnuchin, the treasury secretary in Trump’s first administration, was.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2024
The downside is that the technology can permanently damage its user if overused, which in turn puts it on a watchlist of sorts.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for overuse
Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
But overusing them can strip away your skin's natural moisturizing oils, Dr. Lenzy explains.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Dec. 2024
Others may be nervous about overusing sanctions, as Steven Mnuchin, the treasury secretary in Trump’s first administration, was.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2024
The downside is that the technology can permanently damage its user if overused, which in turn puts it on a watchlist of sorts.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for overuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overuse
Verb
-
Mexican filmmakers and critics have accused the film of misrepresenting and stereotyping topics like Mexican cartel violence.—
Abby Monteil,
Them,
4 Feb. 2025
-
Some people were outright hostile to his presence, perhaps because solar bros are widely stereotyped as dishonest.—
Brendan I. Koerner,
WIRED,
13 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
But if it is allowed to fade into irrelevance, or overexposed to the point of consumer indifference, the steep costs may not be worth it.—
Alex Weprin,
The Hollywood Reporter,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Either the Chiefs’ one-man band on offense finally collapses under the weight of its lack of explosiveness, or the Eagles never spring the big run and leave Hurts overexposed against a tough defense.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC News,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The term was first popularized by a 1997 episode of the television comedy drama Ally McBeal, but received a boost after being used by a contestant on the British reality show Love Island in 2017.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
-
The news spread, and Washington Post cartoonist Clifford Berryman further popularized the tale.—
Sarah Holzmann,
Smithsonian Magazine,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
His versions were full-blooded, with lush strings and reasonably large orchestras — and, purists alleged — vulgarizing distortions.—
BostonGlobe.com,
BostonGlobe.com,
28 Oct. 2019
-
Ever since his rise to power, Trump has served as a vulgarizing agent.—
Leon Neyfakh,
Slate Magazine,
2 June 2017
Verb
-
The Cowboys seem to be more concerned about the possibility of cap hell than exhausting every last resource to win now.—
Jon Machota,
The Athletic,
13 Feb. 2025
-
The bar does not take action in a case until the appeals process is exhausted, a spokesperson said.—
Gary Klien,
The Mercury News,
12 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Virgin doesn’t do buffets, and all restaurants (which are included in the fare) offered alcohol pairings with low-ABV or non-alcoholic options, giving me a way to enjoy the flavors without overdoing it.—
Josh Rivera,
USA TODAY,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Disinfect only when necessary Don’t overdo it with bleach and other strong disinfectants.—
Matt Fuchs,
TIME,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Also, notice that balance doesn’t mean boring or drafting low-upside players.—
Owen Poindexter,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
-
The biggest reason the internet appears bored and uninterested with the Samsung Galaxy S25 range can be attributed to the maturation and plateauing of the smartphone market.—
Callum Booth,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overuse. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share