overproduce

verb

over·​pro·​duce ˌō-vər-prə-ˈdüs How to pronounce overproduce (audio)
-prō-,
-ˈdyüs
overproduced; overproducing

transitive + intransitive

: to produce an excessive amount (of something)
The drug prevents pimples by shrinking the glands attached to hair follicles that, in acne sufferers, overproduce an oily substance known as sebum, which can clog pores.Mary Duenwald
… if soils are too fertile, the vines can overproduce, leading to vegetal aromas and flavors.Michael Schachner
GM also undermined the resale value of its models by overproducing them and giving them away at fire-sale prices.Keith Naughton et al.
… encourages farmers to overproduce, which further drives prices down …Newsweek

Examples of overproduce in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Many wine lovers would argue that Merlot needed such a correction; the varietal was overproduced, blah and unremarkable. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 Money is funneled into those products that can be scaled most rapidly, forcing manufacturers to overproduce and then survive on the slim margins that can be reaped from dumping onto the international market. Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2024 Still, the brand is sure not to overproduce, sticking with classic staples rather than rushing to be on-trend. Samantha Sutton, StyleCaster, 15 July 2024 Lupus overproduces specific cells that attack the body’s organs and tissues. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 12 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for overproduce 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overproduce.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overproduce was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near overproduce

Cite this Entry

“Overproduce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overproduce. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

overproduce

transitive verb
over·​pro·​duce -prə-ˈd(y)üs, -prō- How to pronounce overproduce (audio)
overproduced; overproducing
: to produce to excess
mice genetically altered to overproduce beta-amyloidRichard Saltus
overproduction noun

More from Merriam-Webster on overproduce

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!