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

Limit the alcohol intake Often people overdo during the holidays. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 19 Dec. 2024

Because this design is so detailed, don't overdo it with other patterns. —Sandra S. Soria, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024

The advisors noted that self-planning travelers tend to overdo it when scheduling a trip themselves and don’t allow enough time for spontaneity and flexibility. —Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 14 Dec. 2024

Don’t overdo it — don’t go back to the gym too soon. —Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

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