go overboard

VERB

overdo

Synonyms

STRONGEST

exaggerate overestimate overplay overrate overreach overstate overuse overvalue

STRONG

amplify belabor fatigue hype magnify overburden overindulge overload overtax overtire overwork pressure puff stretch

WEAK

be intemperate bite off too much do to death drive oneself go too far lay it on make federal case not know when to stop pile on run into the ground run riot strain oneself talk big wear down wear oneself out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

play down

STRONG

compress decrease lessen

WEAK

ignore neglect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He was told to go overboard but was then called back to help the wounded and secure the ship, which was flooding.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

Investors can hang loose for now, but probably shouldn’t go overboard.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

“We go overboard because we haven’t learned how to temperate our appetite for memory.”

From Slate • Nov. 13, 2024

Redick seemed pleased he didn’t go overboard and made sure his assistants had some say.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2024

Somewhere along the way, I started to go overboard.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline