overdo

[oh-ver-doo] / ˌoʊ vərˈdu /

VERB

go to extremes; carry too far

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 overboard 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.

Because EMS lacks familiar markers for exhaustion—it’s hard to gauge effort with involuntary muscle contractions—people can unwittingly overdo it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

“One of the best things about music’s potential to decrease dementia risk is that it is fun, can be interactive and you can’t overdo it,” Jaffa said.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 5, 2025

“We have this tendency to overdo it,” Russell said.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2025

Amorim stressed he saw no malice, explaining: "He doesn't want to harm anyone. Sometimes you overdo it."

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2025

Recognizing both science’s limitations and its strengths requires a peculiar mixture of scepticism and confidence; relativists overdo the scepticism and realists overdo the confidence.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing overdo

Commonly Confused Words, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Commonly Confused Words, List 4

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Commonly Confused Words, List 8

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!