overcompensate

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.

This sounds obvious, she says, but many people “neglect to pause” and try to overcompensate, which causes them to talk in circles.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 16, 2026

The elephantine grand piano can easily bully its smaller partners or timidly overcompensate.

From New York Times • May 6, 2023

The trades made in recent days might optimize those cores to reach their full potential, but it’s doubtful any could overcompensate for them if they fall short.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2023

He almost always makes a bad move and then tries to overcompensate.

From Salon • Aug. 11, 2022

Her breeziness was forced, laid on thickly, and Ifemelu felt burdened with guilt, and with a desire to overcompensate.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie