Search Dictionary
Definition of overact

overact

/ˌoʊvərˈækt/
o · ver · act
Past Simple:overacted
•
Past Participle:overacted
•
Present Participle:overacting
JUMP TO:

overact Lexical Profile

overact Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To act a theatrical or dramatic role in an exaggerated, melodramatic, or artificial manner.

Example

"The director asked the young cast member not to overact during the final emotional scene."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for overact
Antonyms
View all antonyms for overact

• Rhymes for overact

• Nearby Words

overachieve
overachievement
overachiever
overact
overactive
overactivity
overadjust

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century from the English prefix 'over-' ('excessively') and the verb 'act', derived from Latin 'actus' ('a doing, a theatrical part'), from 'agere' ('to set in motion, drive, or perform').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Overact. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/overact
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.