over·stretch
ˈō-vər-ˌstrech 
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
Robert G. Patman
over·stretch
ˌō-vər-ˈstrech
overstretched; overstretching
: 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
Eileen Hobdentemperature 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
Christina McAneaExamples of overstretch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebSalam 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
Such a reduction would also lower the risk of military overstretch and create space for Washington to develop a more holistic economic and political approach to the region.
—Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 24 Nov. 2023
The overriding issue here is what the Yale historian Paul Kennedy called imperial overstretch.
—Frank Costigliola, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2023
Dr. Robert G. Rabil, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2024
Ukrainian troops have been complaining for months about severe shortages of ammunition and Ukrainian soldiers are overstretched and exhausted.
—Elliott Goat, The Week Uk, theweek, 15 May 2024
Russia’s intelligence services are currently overstretched by the war in Ukraine and the need for continued action at home.
—Marlene Laruelle, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2024
Myanmar’s military is overstretched and underprovisioned.
—Hannah Beech, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2024
In a care home, Pepper might help keep an eye on residents, entertain them with games and jokes, or simply offer some of the friendly interaction that overstretched staff cannot.
—Stephanie H. Murray, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024
Relief efforts in Gaza are already overstretched, as trucks and fuel remain in short supply.
—Alex Horton, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024
Officials have attributed those schedule changes to the impacts of last July’s redistricting and the need to be cautious about overstretching the program.
—Darcy Costello, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2024
These cuts had left trust and safety teams overstretched, two of these senior sources say.
—WIRED, 20 Nov. 2023
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
Such a reduction would also lower the risk of military overstretch and create space for Washington to develop a more holistic economic and political approach to the region.
—Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 24 Nov. 2023
The overriding issue here is what the Yale historian Paul Kennedy called imperial overstretch.
—Frank Costigliola, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2023
Verb
This shining city on a hill cannot radiate rays of hope for mankind stuck in times past and overstretched thin across the globe.
—Dr. Robert G. Rabil, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2024
Ukrainian troops have been complaining for months about severe shortages of ammunition and Ukrainian soldiers are overstretched and exhausted.
—Elliott Goat, The Week Uk, theweek, 15 May 2024
Russia’s intelligence services are currently overstretched by the war in Ukraine and the need for continued action at home.
—Marlene Laruelle, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2024
Myanmar’s military is overstretched and underprovisioned.
—Hannah Beech, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2024
In a care home, Pepper might help keep an eye on residents, entertain them with games and jokes, or simply offer some of the friendly interaction that overstretched staff cannot.
—Stephanie H. Murray, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024
Relief efforts in Gaza are already overstretched, as trucks and fuel remain in short supply.
—Alex Horton, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024
Officials have attributed those schedule changes to the impacts of last July’s redistricting and the need to be cautious about overstretching the program.
—Darcy Costello, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2024
These cuts had left trust and safety teams overstretched, two of these senior sources say.
—WIRED, 20 Nov. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overstretch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near overstretch
Cite this Entry
“Overstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstretch. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share