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

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

Even a natural talent like Chanel Ayan, whose confessionals revealed real star power, fell into the trap of overdoing it. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2025

Some formulas overdo the moisture and leave hair limp, while skipping conditioner altogether leads to dryness, tangles, and breakage. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 16 Feb. 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