Definitions

overuse

[oh-ver-yooz, oh-ver-yoos] / ˌoʊ vərˈyuz, ˈoʊ vərˈyus /

NOUN

wear and tear

Synonyms

STRONGEST

depletion depreciation erosion

WEAK

ablation attrition consumption decrement dissipation hard wear ravages of time wearing away weathering

VERB

overdo

Synonyms

STRONGEST

exaggerate overestimate overplay overrate overreach overstate 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

VERB

overplay

Synonyms

STRONGEST

exaggerate maximize overdo overemphasize overstate

STRONG

accent accentuate dramatize hyperbolize magnify mug overact overdraw overstress overwork stretch

WEAK

blow out of proportion get carried away ham it up labor at lay it on thick point up show off

Antonyms

WEAK

play down

VERB

tax

Synonyms

STRONGEST

exhaust overtax weaken

STRONG

charge cumber drain encumber enervate lade load oppress overburden overwork pressure push saddle sap strain stress stretch task tire try weary weigh weight

WEAK

make demands on press hard on prey on put pressure on wear out weigh down weigh heavily on

Antonyms

STRONG

activate aid assist compress concentrate delight energize help invigorate strengthen unburden

WEAK

exonerate release

VERB

wear

Synonyms

STRONGEST

rub

STRONG

abrade chafe consume crumble decay decline decrease deteriorate diminish drain dwindle erode exhaust fade fatigue fray gall graze grind impair jade overwork scrape scuff shrink tax tire waste weary weather

WEAK

be worthless become threadbare become worn cut down go to seed scrape off use up wash away wear out wear thin

Antonyms

STRONG

activate build construct develop energize enlarge enliven expand extend grow improve increase invigorate make happy refresh save strengthen

WEAK

cheer delight disrobe freshen please rebuild refuse reject take off

VERB

wear down

Synonyms

WEAK

waste wear wear out

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.

Experts recommend against overuse, and to follow manufacturer's guidance.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

There is also concern about the overuse of antibiotics, which can lead to drug-resistant bacteria.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

Water was scarce; wetlands and lakes turned into swamps through soil erosion and overuse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The funding package also comes as new data shows that telehealth services do not result in overuse of medical services, which may help allay concerns about runaway usage and funding problems.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 24, 2026

But here I am, with a mailbox that Jonah can no longer bear to be in the same house with, a cousin who’s not speaking to me, and an overuse injury that’s my own fault.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

overuse

Example Sentences

Related Words