overprotective

[oh-ver-pruh-tek-tiv] / ˌoʊ vər prəˈtɛk tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

unduly protective

Synonyms

STRONGEST

protecting protective shielding

STRONG

grandmotherly nannyish vigilant

WEAK

conscientious finicky fussy mollycoddling patronizing punctilious restrictive scrupulous squeamish

Antonyms

WEAK

careless

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.

A brash and confident young earthbending prodigy, Toph moonlights as a champion fighter called the Blind Bandit, unbeknownst to her overprotective upper-class parents who think their little girl is helpless.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

For many years American Jewish writing seemed to be all about sons—sons launched from Chicago, Brooklyn and the Bronx, sons of overprotective mothers, comics punning on “the son also rises.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

That can make people vulnerable, and it can also make well-intentioned children overprotective.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 1, 2025

Joel is overprotective to the extent of control.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2023

As a lawyer, Mom is a bit overprotective and aggressive.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh

Vocabulary lists containing overprotective

Father's Day Words

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!