overstretch

1 of 2

noun

over·​stretch ˈō-vər-ˌstrech How to pronounce overstretch (audio)
plural overstretches
: the act or an instance of stretching something beyond normal limits
an overstretch of political power
… a classic case of military and economic overstretch.Robert G. Patman

overstretch

2 of 2

verb

over·​stretch ˌō-vər-ˈstrech How to pronounce overstretch (audio)
overstretched; overstretching

transitive + intransitive

: to stretch (something or someone) to excess or beyond normal limits
Worsted yarn, and any yarn inclined to "kink" should be weighted slightly as it dries, but take care not to overstretch the wool.Eileen Hobden
temperature changes causing the tire to overstretch
They overstretched [=overextended] themselves financially.
Too few staff means overstretched [=overburdened] crews and patients waiting for longer.Christina McAnea

Examples of overstretch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Washington’s Looming Middle Eastern Quagmire The war in Gaza, American overstretch, and the case for retrenchment. Salam Fayyad, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024 The Navy’s overstretch may have also contributed to a pair of tragic accidents. Gil Barndollar, TIME, 12 Feb. 2024
Verb
Digitization tracks the optimal use and puts to use the resources that aren't being used optimally, while making sure nothing or no one is overstretched, thus creating a seamless operation of all moving parts together. Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 That would be true even if not for the fact that the United States is overstretched trying to manage a whole range of security problems across the globe. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overstretch

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1749, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstretch was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Overstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstretch. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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