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

But use this strategically, and don’t overdo it. VIDEO QUIZ An Illinois judge ruled that Trump Tower in Chicago violated multiple environmental laws, and killed thousands of which type of animal? A. Birds B. Fish C. Butterflies D. Squirrels Check your answer. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024

However, for preventing deficiency, Nature Made’s moderate dose of 1000 IU is a good choice and can help prevent a deficiency without overdoing it. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024

But as much of a show as the week is, with celebrities meant to gin up enthusiasm and turnout, the showbiz element can overdo it. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2024

Light exposure: Plan a time to get sunlight every day by going outside or sitting by a window. Stay active: Get physical activity earlier in the day to promote better sleep—but don’t overdo it as fatigue can trigger sundowning. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 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